ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suffered a loss of Rs2 billion following the suspension of flights to Saudi Arabia in the aftermath of the coronavirus-triggered temporary ban on Umrah.
PIA officials told reporters on Tuesday that the airlines’ schedule has been seriously disturbed as tickets of 50,000 passengers have been cancelled so far.
They further said that 34 flights to Medina and 13 to Mecca were scheduled weekly for business visa and iqama holders despite fewer passengers.
FLIGHTS TO MILAN CANCELLED
In separate development, PIA has decided to suspend direct flights to Italy’s financial hub, Milan, amid coronavirus outbreak.
The decision had reportedly been taken in the wake of coronavirus outbreak in Italy, especially in Milan, which has claimed over 463 lives so far.
PIA operates flights to Milan from Lahore and Islamabad airports. Sources said the flight operations to Milan would remain suspended till March 31.
