Srinagar: Pakistan has been denied permission to use direct flights from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir to Sharjah. Go First Airlines, which operates low-cost flights, has been denied permission to use Pakistan’s airspace. Go First was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to Kashmir last month.
With the Pak move, the future of the airline is uncertain. The Srinagar-Dubai service was also suspended in 2009 due to Pakistan’s refusal to use the route. It takes an extra hour to travel from Srinagar to the UAE without using Pakistan Airways. This will increase fuel consumption and ticket prices.
GoFirst’s first flight from Srinagar to Sharjah took place on October 23. The service was operated across Pakistan airspace until October 30. However, the service was operated via Rajasthan and Gujarat on November 2 after Pakistan denied permission. For the time being, the service will continue in this manner in the coming days, Go First officials said.
Jammu leaders came out with criticism over the incident. Mehbooba Mufti, a PDP leader and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, said that it was only Amit Shah’s PR stand that started international flights without adequate preparation. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also said that Pakistan’s move was “absolutely unfortunate”.
Meanwhile, the plane carrying Prime Minister Narendra Modi was allowed to use Pakistani airspace. The Prime Minister flew to and from Europe for the G20 climate summit via Pakistan airspace.
English Summary: Pak Refuses Airspace Permission For New Srinagar-Sharjah Direct Flight
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