RAWALPINDI: Following restrictions from the UAE authorities regarding Covid-19 Rapid PCR/RTPCR tests, the Pakistan International Airline will start Rapid PCR tests at the Sialkot International Airport for passengers of Dubai-bound flights.

A PIA spokesman said that the national flag carrier has arranged special flights from Sialkot to Dubai on Aug 12 and 14 and Rapid PCR tests of passengers will be conducted at the Sialkot airport. He said in view of the tests, passengers are requested to arrive at the airport at least 5 hours in advance.

The UAE authorities have imposed a restriction of having Covid-19 Rapid PCR testing for passengers within four hours before flight departure at main concourse halls located at the airports.

Passengers must report 5-6 hours prior to departure at the Citi Lab Research & Diagnostic Centre desk and complete registration. They need to give samples within 4 hours of flight departure and wait till 90 minutes for test results. After receiving negative test results, passengers will proceed to the check-in counter.

Special discount: PIA has offered a special discount on purchase of domestic flight tickets for the eve of the Independence Day.

A PIA spokesman said the national flag carrier is offering a 14 per cent discount on domestic ticket purchases. The discounted tickets will be available from Tuesday onwards.

He stated that the reduced tickets would be available for travel beginning from Aug 14 till Aug 16, 2021.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2021