Since the entry restrictions were loosened for stranded Pakistanis, the airline has increased its operational capacity.
A new flight from Ras Al Khaimah connects four major UAE cities with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). From August 28, Pakistan Airlines began operating flights from Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, and Karachi to the northern emirate.
In Pakistan, this will be of great relief to those stranded and seeking to return to their families and careers. As a result of months of suspensions of passenger flights, UAE authorities announced earlier this month that passengers from Pakistan – one of six restricted countries – could return to the Emirates, as long as they met certain requirements.
After the UAE eased entry restrictions for residents stranded in Pakistan, PIA has increased operational capacity. Pre-entry conditions include approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, a negative PCR test with a validity of 48 hours, and a rapid PCR test six hours before departure.
PIA already operates flights from all major Pakistani cities to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah in the UAE. According to UAE instructions to Pakistan’s authorities, all airlines, in collaboration with local laboratories, have set up facilities within airport premises across Pakistan to conduct rapid PCR tests.