British Airways has resumed its direct flight operation to and from Lahore as the airline’s first flight touched down at the Allama Iqbal International Airport on Tuesday after a gap of nearly 40 years.
“The first inaugural flight of British Airways flight BA-259 from London to Lahore with 194 passengers and 22 crew members arrived here on Tuesday,” a CAA official said. On arrival Airport Manager Akhtar Mirza, Deputy Airport Manager Anwar Zia, public relations officers Saad Bin Ayub and Iftikhar Ahmed Jan were among the officials of the CAA, ASF, SAPS and the British High Commission welcoming the passengers.
The authorities have taken extra precautionary measures for the safety of its crew and passengers. The British High Commision has expressed satisfaction over the measures taken at the airport. Direct flights will be operated between Islamabad and Heathrow Airport London three times a week.
Wearing masks during the flights will be mandatory for the passengers traveling to and far from Islamabad International Airport
.A cake cutting ceremony was also held at CIP lounge to mark the resumption of the British Airways flight operation after several years. The government has granted permission for four flights a week to British Airways with the condition to review slots upon resumption of PIA flights to the UK.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Christian Turner tweeted that British Airways used to operate to two cities in Pakistan but after 40 years, the airline has resumed its operation to another city, Lahore.
Separately, Turner held meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad and discussed matters related to Kashmir, Afghan peace and others.
FM Qureshi while speaking to Turner said Pakistan is desirous of further promoting trade partnership with the UK. “Both the countries enjoy deep and longstanding bilateral relations.”
