Pakistan increases direct flights from China by 40%

Islamabad: Pakistan has decided to increase direct flights from China by 40 percent. Pakistan also announced to increase the number of direct flights from the UK, Europe, Canada and Malaysia after a decline in number of the COVID-19 infections, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said.

“The flights coming from the UK, China, Malaysia, Europe and Canada will be increased by 40%. The arriving passengers will, however, have to undergo a mandatory COVID test before departing for Pakistan. The new air travel plan will come into effect from July 1,” the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said citing NCOC’s permission.

The country reported 23 deaths and 901 new cases in the past 24 hours. The virus has so far claimed 22,211 lives in Pakistan, while the number of total confirmed cases stands at 954,743.

Federal Minister for Planning Asad Umar, who is also the head of COVID, had earlier warned that the country could be hit by the fourth wave of the virus if the people stop being cautious.

“In the absence of strong SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) enforcement and continued strong vaccination programme, the fourth wave could emerge in Pakistan in July,” Umar said in a Twitter post.

Relief in travel restrictions on China is a welcome step for the businesspersons and students who travel frequently to China.