PIA suffers Rs2.2 billion loss on flight suspensions.

KARACHI -- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has recorded a loss of Rs2.2 billion in March due to suspension of flights from different routes because of the spreading coronavirus, a source said.

This came despite the fact that many air travellers were seeking to fly through PIA, which achieved 100% seat occupancy.

Flights have been suspended on several routes including the most important ones such as China, Kuwait, Qatar, Italy, Japan and Saudi Arabia. Riyadh has suspended flights for only 72 hours ending at 3pm on Sunday.

The Saudi Arabian government also told Umrah pilgrims to leave the country, prompting them to immediately book airline seats. PIA was one of the few airlines offering its services to them.

There were around 40,000 Umrah pilgrims. About 18,000 came through PIA and Airblue while others reached home with the help of other airlines.

'Mothers advised not to bring children' as PIA shuts baby daycare centre in Karachi

On the other hand, Riyadh has allowed the holders of Iqama, a one to two-year residence permit...