Pakistan: Balochistan’s Zhob Airport begins operations again after three years

Karachi: The airport in Zhob city of Balochistan has become operational three years after resumption of flight service of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

The PIA on Tuesday resumed twice-weekly flights to Zhob from Karachi. An ATR aircraft of PIA landed at Zhob Airport from Karachi marking the revival of the airport.

The flight PK-528 from Karachi to Zhob carried 36 passengers. Later, PIA’s flight PK-529 departed from Zhob to Karachi carrying 41 passengers.

Passengers on flight PK-528 were greeted by Balochistan Minister for Livestock, Dairy Development and Environment, Mitha Khan Kakar; Station Manager of Zhob Airport, Abdul Shakoor, senior PIA officials, and other authorities.

Earlier, an opening ceremony was held at the Karachi International Airport before departure of the flight to Zhob.

PIA District Manager Faisal Kharal, PIA Airport Manager Ahmed Alam, and other senior officials of the national flag carrier saw off the flight.

CEO of PIA, Air Marshal (retired) Arshad Malik, said on the occasion that the national flag carrier would extend best possible service to the passengers as the weekly flights had been launched in view of the frequent travelling needs of the business communities of both Zhob and Karachi.

Two flights every week will be operated on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The federal government has announced a special discounted fare of Rs 6,500 per passenger for the one-way flight to Zhob.

Residents of Zhob have expressed gratitude to both the federal and Balochistan government for reviving the airport facility in their native town.

Zhob district is in the north-west part of Balochistan, 337 kilometres from Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan. During British colonial era, its name was Fort Sandeman. Appozai is another old name of the city.