Islamabad, June 17, 2022 (PPI-OT):Minister directed to operationalize the international flights from Quetta Airport by 14th of August this year. He added that after it is being operationalized, international connectivity of Balochistan population will be enhanced with Middle East which hosts a large number of Pakistani diaspora working there.
Adding that “direct Hajj flights from Quetta to Jeddah will be started which will facilitate the Hajis hailed from the province who currently use the indirect route via Karachi / Islamabad. The Planning Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal remarked that in a meeting which he chaired today to finalise the Pricing model of Fares for Airports in Balochistan for Higher Traffic volumes and enhanced Air-Connectivity of the Provinces in Islamabad today. Advisor Maritime Affairs Jawad Khokhar, Ad.
Secretary Daud Bareach, Secretary Aviation, Chief Secretary Balochistan, CEO PIA and DDG CAA were present in the meeting. It is also briefed in the meeting that PIA is operating 30 flights weekly to 3 cities of Balochistan While chairing the meeting, the Planning Minister stated that PM has directed to mainstream the flight operations for the people of Balochistan and to alleviate their sense of isolation.
He observed that dynamic pricing model in practice currently creates hike in fare pricing which discourage people to opt for air travel. Minister Iqbal urged to devise a fair Price structure mechanism that is static which does not lead to skyrocket the air fares.
It is our utmost priority to address the low volume of domestic flights connecting people of Baluchistan to other parts of the country Minister Ahsan Iqbal has stressed that all airlines like Serene, Air Sial, etc also should operate on Balochistan routes for maximum facilitation for people of Balochistan.
The Planning Minister has directed to ensure inauguration and shifting of flight operations from old Gawadar Airport to New Gawadar Airport on 23 March 2023 while observing that this is will be a Gift for the people of Balochistan on Pakistan day.
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