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19 March 2024

Emirates suspends flights to Peshawar

The carrier plans to take on 27 new aircraft this year alone and is recruiting thousands of new staff to fill new positions and replace those left vacant by departing employees. (File)

Published
By Bindu Rai

Emirates has cancelled all flights to Peshawar following Tuesday’s attack on an army school in the Pakistani city that left 148 people dead, 132 of them young children aged between 12 and 16 years.

The airline has cited ‘operational reasons’ for suspending services to the city, adding that operations to other gateway destinations in Pakistan remain unaffected.

In a statement, the airline said: “Emirates can confirm that we are suspending our flights to Peshawar for operational reasons.

“This will take effect immediately until further notice. Our services to other points in Pakistan - Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Sialkot - continue to operate as scheduled.”

The airline statement continued: “We remain committed to our customers in Pakistan and hope to resume services to Peshawar as soon as operational conditions allow us to do so.

“Our customer service team is contacting affected customers to assist them with making alternative travel arrangements. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Customers are also being advised to check the airline’s website for the latest flight status.

Emirates offered five weekly flights to Peshawar.

The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have claimed responsibility of the attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, making it the country’s deadliest terrorist strike in history.

With a large Pakistani community residing here in the UAE, residents have organised several candlelight vigils and prayer meets for those grieving.