The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has revised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and stopped airlines from issuing tickets to confirmed COVID-19 passengers, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.

The revised SOPs approved by the PCAA will remain in effect until July 31.

PCAA issued revised SOPS for outbound international passengers and chartered/private flights.

As per SOPs, ticket will not be issued if a passenger has symptoms of flu or COVID-19, which may include high-grade fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, etc.

It said flight operations will be bound to fully comply with the CAA instructions regarding disinfection, passenger, and crew protection measures. CAA issued SOPs for carrying out increased health screening with immediate effect.

Passengers are asked to inform earlier and not to come to the airport if COVID-19 symptoms appear after receiving tickets but PCAA said that passengers who have undergone COVID-19 PCR test within the last 96 hours will be preferred.

Passengers are advised to wear face masks, maintain social distancing and use sanitizers.

Airport authorities or airlines have been given rights that they shall stop or deny passenger’s boarding if that passenger is suspected of having COVID-19.