PIA pilots refuse to fly back Pakistanis stranded in Iraq after colleagues contract virus
Two Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) pilots, one air hostess contracted the virusRAWALPINDI: Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) pilots refused to bring back stranded Pakistanis from Iraq on Tuesday after two pilots and an air hostess of the flag carrier tested positive for coronavirus. PK-9813, travelling from Islamabad to Baghdad, was to fly back 161 Pakistanis who gathered at the Baghdad airport from various Iraqi cities. The pilots reportedly did not arrive at the airport despite the PIA CEO’s and other officials assurance regarding provision of protective gear. The refusal came following an ongoing standoff between the PIA and the Pakistan Air Line Pilots’ Association (Palpa) after the three crewmembers contracted the virus. They were onboard the recent special flight operated to bring back stranded Pakistanis from Canada.
Source: The Express Tribune April 07, 2020 08:03 UTC
