Govt. to ensure strict anti-COVID-19 SOPs at airports during all flights.

ISLAMABAD -- The government has introduced effective anti-coronavirus Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which are being implemented in letter and spirit at all airports, during all domestic and international flight operations.

The existing SOPs, approved to stem the spread of deadly virus by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) on November 19 for international passengers, chartered and private aircraft flights, would remain in place till December 31, 2020, under which all international passengers arriving in Pakistan are required to register themselves by installing the Pass Track App, according to an official document available with the reporter.

'For those passengers who do not possess smartphones shall be required to enter their data on the website https://passtrack.nitb.gov.pk/login."

While, children under 12 years of age, disabled passengers and high level foreign delegations are exempted from the app and web data requirement, however, it is mandatory for them to submit Health Declaration forms at the airport of arrival in Pakistan.

Requirement of COVID-19 RT-PCR test from passengers travelling to Pakistan is subject to the country of original embarkation. Pakistan has categorized the countries into three categories like A, B and C.

'Asymptomatic travelers from Category-A countries do not require RT-PCR test before commencement of travel; whereas, travelers from Category-B and C countries are required to provide proof of the negative test conducted not more than 96 hours from the commencement of original travel, failing which the operator/airline shall not issue the boarding pass.'

Besides, international travelers from the Category-C countries would have to undergo another mandatory RT-PCR test upon arrival in Pakistan.

As per the SOPs, the aircraft traveling to Pakistan are disinfected in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the PCCA before passengers boarding.

An inventory of essential Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs) comprising protection suits, gloves, face masks, goggles, and N-95 masks is maintained in each inbound flight.

During the flights, all passengers, cockpit and cabin crew are required to wear face masks throughout the duration of flights, except meal timings.

Cabin crew will provide hand sanitizer after every hour during the flight to each passenger, while food and beverages would be served on flights with proper packaging and precautions.

'One aft row in each aircraft shall be kept vacant for the...