As part of its preventive measures against the novel coronavirus, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended meal services on its flights to countries in the Middle East for the time being.

According to details, the national flag carrier will only provide water and beverages, including soft drinks, juices, black/green tea and coffee to flyers. The move is aimed at ensuring strict adherence to social distancing protocols to combat the virus spread.

“As per Management’s Directive, Only beverage service (water, soft drinks, juices & Black/Green Tea & Coffee) for pax will be uplifted on all middle-east sector flights i.e. Pak-Middle-East-Pak, till further instruction,” read a letter issued by the airline.

However, it said, cockpit and cabin crew are excepted from the meal services ban.