By Rafiullah Mandokhail
ZHOB: The Pakistan International Airlines management has resumed the domestic flight operation from Zhob to Karachi twice a week after remaining suspended for more than two years. The resumption of flight operation is aimed at facilitating the local people, business community and those traveling to the Gulf States. After recent resumption the aircraft will initially operate two weekly flights from Zhob to Karachi.
Following the resumption, the first ATR plane PK-528 from Karachi landed here at Zhob airport on Tuesday. The passengers on their arrival and those who boarded the flight from Zhob were warmly welcomed and seen off by the PIA management, cabin crew, airport staff and CAA officials but the journalists were not allowed by the Airport Security Force even to the airport premises to cover the event.
According to the officials, initially two weekly flights from Karachi-Zhob-Karachi will operate on each Tuesday and Friday. The ATR aircraft will depart from Jinnah International Airport Karachi for Zhob at 7:30 am and will take off from Zhob airport at 10 am. Its one-way fare is Rs 6050.
“Strict Standard Operating Procedures have been set, ensuring disinfection, sanitizing, social distancing and safety for the national airline crew and passengers as well,” the officials added.
The flight operation between Zhob-Karachi and Zhob-Islamabad was suspended almost two years back due unknown reasons. Before the suspension of operation, the one-way fare was Rs 4200.
The historic Zhob airport has been remained non-operational for the last two years after the national flag carrier ceased to operate commercial flights to this destination.
“With the resumption of flights it is expected that the passengers would be given better traveling facilities and this phenomenon will remove the dismay of masses,” the passengers have expressed hope.
