RAWALPINDI: Taking measures against the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) disinfected various areas of Islamabad International Airport (IIA) with chlorine water spray on Sunday.

Spokesman for the Aviation Division said in a press release that the process of disinfection was also carried out on Airport Road, pick and drop lanes, general car parking and concourse halls. The arrival and departure lounges and all areas of the passenger terminal building have also been disinfected.

The CAA fire department along with its medical and facilitation services staff participated in the disinfection process, carried out on April 4 and 5. The spokesman stated that the disinfection process is being carried out at all airports across the country on a daily basis.

Due to suspension of full flight operation, airports are less crowded and therefore the CAA is fully concentrating on disinfection and cleanliness, he added.

The Aviation Division had advised people not to visit airports to receive international passengers, as a precautionary measure against spread of Covid-19. According to standard operating procedure (SOP), after swab test, passengers are taken to a designated hotel where they are required to wait for several hours till the result is available.

During this time, it is not possible for friends or relatives to meet passengers, hence in their own interest, people are advised not to visit the airport.

Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2020