Pakistan’s Air Traffic Controller (ATC) welcomed on Sunday Air India’s special flights which was on its way to Europe.
Two special Air India flights from India were allowed to cross Pakistani airspace amid the suspension of the flight operations. The flights were evacuating European nationals from India to Frankfurt amid coronavirus outbreak. Air India flights were also carrying relief materials.
When the flight entered Pakistan’s airspace, they received a greeting from the Karachi control welcoming their relief flight to Frankfurt. "As we entered Pakistan’s Flight Information Region (FIR), the ATC greeted us ‘Assalaam Alaikum!’ This is Karachi’s control welcoming Air India for relief flights to Frankfurt,” a senior captain said.
Once Air India confirmed its position and was cleared to exit the space, the Pakistan ATC gave them a special message. "We are proud of you that in a pandemic situation you are operating flights. Good luck!," Dope Desi quoted.
The captain of India’s national carrier responded with 'Thank you so much'. Pakistan also communicated Indian plane's position to the Tehran airspace and gave details of the two special Air India flights. After crossing Pakistan's airspace, the special flight entered Iran.
Following the pleasantries, one of the senior captains of the special flights told ANI that it was a very proud moment for him as well as the entire Air India crew when they heard Pakistan ATC praising their special flight operations to Europe.