ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed its flights to Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates after 18 years, following its announcement to set up new routes to the northern emirate last month, the national flag carrier said on Monday.
PIA already operates flights from all major Pakistani cities to different emirates of the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
However, its flights to Ras Al Khaimah, known for its stunning landscape and pristine beaches, from Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi are expected to facilitate more Pakistani expatriates returning to work in the Gulf state after months of passenger flight suspensions imposed by the UAE authorities.
“A modest ceremony was held at RKT airport attended by PIA Country Head #UAE, Pakistan Council General & Chairman @RAK_AIRPORT Authority to celebrate the event,” the PIA said in a Twitter post.
#PIA resumes its ops to Ras Al-Khaimah #RKT after 18 Yrs. A modest ceremony was held at RKT airport attended by PIA Country Head #UAE, Pakistan Council General & Chairman @RAK_AIRPORT Authority to celebrate the event. Special thanks to @gcaauae, @ForeignOfficePk for their support pic.twitter.com/7PsQ7Px9aR
— PIA (@Official_PIA) September 13, 2021
On Aug. 5, the UAE lifted a ban on transit passenger traffic from Pakistan, India, Nigeria and other countries.
However, it still requires travelers from these countries to present negative COVID-19 PCR tests with a validity of 48 hours before departure from UAE-approved laboratories.
To facilitate Pakistani passengers traveling to the UAE, Pakistan set up PCR rapid testing facilities at all international airports in the country.
The rapid PCR test can determine a COVID-19 case even before a person becomes infectious, making it possible to isolate such individuals on time.
Other types of tests detect viral proteins, revealing the coronavirus presence in a person’s respiratory system at the peak of the infection.
Over 1.6 million Pakistani expatriates live in the UAE and work in different public and private departments, remitting over $4 billion annually to the South Asian nation.
