The
Government of Pakistan is working diligently to ensure that our
citizens are brought back to the country. Please be assured that we are
working to bring back our people from all countries around the world,
including places that have not yet been catered to. As the situation,
evolves we will keep you updated on the steps we are taking. Please see
below air travel related decisions taken so far in light of the COVID-19
pandemic.
| Date | Forum | Decision |
| 13th March, 2020 | National Security Committee | International
flights only allowed at the Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad airports;
additional screening and administration instituted at airports. |
| 14th March, 2020 | National Coordination Committee | International
flights restricted to Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad airports.
Quarantine centers will be established near Islamabad, Karachi and
Lahore airports. Domestic travellers will be screened on both arriving
and departing locations. |
| 17th March, 2020 | National Coordination Committee | With
effect from 21st March, 2020, all international arriving passengers to
Pakistani Airports will be required to provide a copy of their RT-PCR
test certification conducted during the 24 hours prior to boarding the
flight. |
| 17th March, 2020 | National Coordination Committee | PIA
will have ferry flights for the next three days (17th-19th March) to
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to bring Pakistani pilgrims back to
Pakistan. |
| 20th March, 2020 | National Coordination Committee | All
Inbound air travel to Pakistan will be suspended / closed for two
weeks, with the exception of diplomatic travel and cargo aircrafts with
effect from 21st March, 2020. Upon resumption of international air
travel, the COVID-19 RT-PCR test will not be mandatory.* *24th March - 4th April, special flights to bring back Pakistanis stranded at airports are allowed |
| 26th March, 2020 | National Coordination Committee | All domestic flights suspended till further notice. |
| 27th March, 2020 | National Coordination Committee | The
decision to impose restriction on inbound flights will remain in effect
till 4th April, 2020. There will be a restriction on outbound flights
with effect from 29th March, 2020. |
| 1st April, 2020 | National Coordination Committee | International
passenger, chartered and private aircraft inbound flights to Pakistan
suspended till 11th April, 2020. The only exception to the above rule
are the Diplomatic special/cargo flights and inbound/outbound special
flights carrying stranded passengers. |
| 1st April, 2020 | National Coordination Committee | Domestic
flights will remain suspended until further notice with the exception
of flights between Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan. Screening of air
travelers to and from Gilgit-Baltistan will be ensured. |
| 1st April, 2020 | National Coordination Committee | Stranded
Pakistani citizens will be brought through Islamabad International
Airport with effect from 4th April, 2020 to 11th April, 2020. |
| 1st April, 2020 | National Coordination Committee | Arrangements
will be made for transportation of passengers arriving at Islamabad
airport to their final destinations. No meet and greet will be allowed
at the airport. |
| 8th April, 2020 | National Coordination Committee | SOP/Protocol
for all in-bound passengers including quarantine facility, stay of
positively/negatively tested passengers in quarantine, costs to be borne
for stay, etc. will be updated in light of incoming passenger data. |
| 8th April, 2020 | National Coordination Committee | Suspension
of air traffic and the deadline for bringing stranded Pakistani
citizens in various countries to be extended beyond 11th April, 2020
till further review. |
| 8th April, 2020 | National Coordination Committee | Suspension
of domestic air travel to be extended beyond 11th April, 2020 till
further review, except between Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan flight
operations. |
| 8th April, 2020 | National Command and Operation Center | Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Multan and Peshawar airports will be used for repatriation of stranded passengers. |
| 9th April, 2020 | National Command and Operation Center | Around 2,000 stranded passengers will be repatriated at 6 international airports during 14th-19th April. |
| 9th April, 2020 | National Command and Operation Center | Passengers
will be required to fill an International Passenger Health Declaration
form which includes an undertaking that the passenger is willing to be
quarantined upon their arrival to Pakistan. |
| 12th April, 2020 | National Coordination Committee | Starting April 20, 2020 upwards of 6,000 passengers will be brought back to Pakistan. A plan will be devised for this purpose. |