Expats in UAE may still fly to Pakistan, envoy confirms

Pakistanis in the UAE may still fly back to their home country, as outbound flights to Pakistan remain operational, a top envoy clarified on Monday. 

On Sunday, the UAE authorities announced the suspension of all inbound flights from Pakistan, including transit ones. The ban will remain in place until Pakistan establishes a Covid-19 testing system for all travellers flying into the country, they said. 

Also read: UAE temporarily suspends all flights from Pakistan

The latest announcement will have no impact on outbound passenger flights, said Ghulam Dastgir, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE.

"Outbound flights from the UAE to Pakistan are operating normal one-way services," he said. 

"Both countries are negotiating the procedure to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers from Covid-19. Once procedures are finalised, flights will resume."

Authorities are now finalising the list of Covid testing laboratories for different cities in Pakistan.

The ban on inbound flights was implemented after a number of passengers who travelled by Emirates airline from Pakistan to Hong Kong via Dubai tested positive for Covid-19.

Travel agents in the UAE have also confirmed that airlines are still offering seats for flights to Pakistan. 

"People can travel by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and UAE carriers. PIA is operating around two to three flights while UAE carriers have one each, except Emirates. The airlines are also operating from different airports across the country including Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Terminal 2," said a Sharjah-based travel agent.  

waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com