LAHORE MIRROR– The maiden Pakistani flight from Lahore to Sydney to be operated by PIA has been deferred for few days on the advise of the Australian Homeland Affairs Department as they want to reassess the prevailing security situation of the country and review the security apparatus and procedures adopted at Pakistani airports.
PIA was set to operate its first ever direct flight between Pakistan and Australia on April 22, 2022, initially planning to operate one weekly flight on this route.
There was strong demand by the Pakistani diaspora residing in Australia who wanted direct flights specially travelling with families and forced to take 35 hours long journey via transiting at Middle Eastern points. With PIA’s direct flights the travel duration with total journey lasted only 12.5 hours.
Necessary permissions were obtained from Australian Civil Aviation Authority and flights were mounted in the system and drew healthy loads.
However in a last moment development, the Department of Homeland Affairs of Australia, consequent to the detailed assessment of the security protocols adopted at Karachi and Lahore Airports, have sought for more time and have advised PIA to cancel its first two flights, till the time their review is complete.
Speaking on the occasion, the PIA spokesperson confirmed the news, saying that it is an unfortunate development, however in view of our desires for a long term sustainable operations to Australia, PIA will comply with all the regulations and security reviews.
Pakistani High Commission in Australia is in constant contact with the concerned authorities for amicable and expeditious resolution of the matter and have made themselves available for any assistance in this regard.
He said the first two flights have been deferred to a later date and all the passengers will be re-accommodated on those flights. PIA Call Centre has already started informing the passengers about the change. He further said that all those customers who intend to travel before that can get their tickets refunded without any charge.— PRESS RELEASE
