LAHORE: The Lahore-Urumqi flight operation resumed on Tuesday, three years after being disrupted by Covid-19.

The China Southern Airlines flight departed from Allama Iqbal International Airport on Tuesday morning.

To commemorate the occasion, a special cake-cutting ceremony was held at the airport, with Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren as the chief guest. Also present were Zhang Xingru, GM of China Southern Airlines Lahore, Nazir Ahmed Khan, COO of the Allama Iqbal International Airport, and other officials.

Mr Shiren stated, “This is a significant event and good news for all. The direct flight operation is the need of the hour and it will bring a new momentum to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, trade and investment between China and Punjab.” He said it would facilitate business tours for traders, travelers, students and tourists from both sides by providing them with time-saving and cost-effective flight services.

“There are immense market potentials in Punjab, and with the resumption of operations, more people here will take flights to China. The consulate general is ready to do its best to accommodate them in this regard,” he asserted.

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2023