Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has sought Saudi authorities' approval to allow Pakistani and Saudi Arabian airlines operators to continue flight operations up to Wednesday March 25 to transport passengers to their destinations. Pakistan previously requested for three days extension but now it has requested for an extension till 25th March 2020. The CAA has written a letter addressed to President General Authority of Civil Aviation Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, regarding the suspension on entry into the kingdom (circular dated March 12, 2020). The letter states, "The Pakistan CAA presents its compliments to the General Authority of Civil Aviation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and has the honour to refer to our letter of even number dated March 13, 2020, wherein the esteemed authority has been requested by Pakistan CM to consider extending the time limit by an additional 72 hours, on the suspension of entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
"While no response has been received from your esteemed authority regarding our request, we take this opportunity to state that it has been learnt that as per a careful estimate, approximately 5,000 Pakistani passengers are currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia awaiting departure for Pakistan and approximately a same number of work permit holders are awaiting transportation back to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
"Especially realizing the excellent bilateral brotherly relations between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and at the same time remaining cognizant of the importance of taking concrete steps in the national interest in these emergent limes, we formally seek your kind approval to allow Pakistani and Saudi Arabian airline operators to continue flight operations between our two brotherly States up to Wednesday, March 25, 2020, on compassionate grounds so that airline operators from both our states may work in unison to transport passengers to their destinations."
"Whereby we continue to remain optimistic that our request will be favourably considered by your esteemed Authority, Pakistan CM avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the General Authority of Civil Aviation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the assurances of its highest consideration," the letter states.
Meanwhile, the CAA has taken immediate actions to facilitate passengers after closure of international flights from the Bacha Khan International Airport, Peshawar. Help information desk has been established at the entry of the airport to facilitate those passengers who come from far-flung areas, and are resultantly facing some difficulty.
Trained health staff has been deputed to screen staff and passengers visiting the airport. Daily fumigation of lounges, cargo areas and offices as per the WHO recommendations and in consultation with a health focal person is being carried out.
Operation of domestic arrival is shifted to international arrival for better screening of arriving passengers. Airlines surplus staff's entry inside lounges and airport has also been curtailed. The ASF officials have been directed to stop unnecessary visitors to the airport and during flight operation only one visitor is to be allowed as per policy.
Aviation Division spokesperson has requested the general public that in line with the decision of the National Security Council, effective measures are to be taken to control the spread of coronavirus. People should avoid going to airports unnecessarily to drop off or receive passengers.
Only one person may accompany the passenger(s). They should not cause congestion at airports. Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi are dealing with extra international flights, and therefore cooperation from people is requested.
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