PIA resumes direct flights from Islamabad to Beijing after 2.5 years

The direct flights from Beijing to Islamabad were restarted by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Sunday.

According to ARY News, the first flight, PK-854, departed from the Islamabad airport at 6:45 am and touched down in Beijing at 2:55 pm. In the evening, this flight will make its way back to Islamabad.

Following a lapse of more than 2.5 years, operations between the two capitals were restarted. In February 2020, this route saw the final PIA flight.

China banned practically all incoming foreign flights in March 2020 due to concerns that passengers from other countries could be responsible for an outbreak of coronavirus illnesses.

Since Pakistan is Beijing’s sole all-weather strategic partner of China and the two nations have mutual interests and collaboration in a number of areas, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has finally granted PIA permission to resume operations.

Additionally, the flight will make it easier for Chinese workers on several CPEC-related projects in Pakistan.