Emirates Airline Dubai to Karachi service normal despite second attack at airport

Emirates Airline continues with scheduled flights but tells passengers to check their flight status regularly for updates.

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DUBAI // Emirates Airline is continuing its normal scheduled flights between Dubai and Karachi despite a second terrorist attack near the Pakistani city’s airport on Tuesday.

However, the Dubai-based carrier has urged passengers to check their flight status regularly.

"Emirates is continuing to operate flights between Dubai and Karachi, however, passengers are advised to check their flight status on emirates.com as some flights may have to be re-timed," said a spokesman.

“The safety of Emirates’ passengers and crew is of utmost importance and will not be compromised.”

Etihad has also confirmed that its service between Abu Dhabi and Karachi is operating normally.

Flight EY222 from Karachi to Abu Dhabi departs at 05.45am Karachi local time and EY221 from Abu Dhabi to Karachi departs at 11.15pm UAE local time.

“We will continue to monitor the security situation in Karachi to ensure the safety of passengers and airline staff,” said an Etihad spokesman.

Earlier on Tuesday gunmen attacked a training camp for the Airport Security Force, which is responsible for the protection of Jinnah International Airport.

The facility is about one kilometre away from the airport itself but after an hour-long gun battle the Pakistani Army retook control.

Media reports said that several flights were diverted or turned back, although the airport is now fully operational.

On Sunday at least 38 people died when militants attacked the airport.

The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for both attacks.

In the face of the attacks, the Pakistani government said it is determined to protect its citizens and foreigners visiting the country, according to the country’s embassy in Abu Dhabi.

It said all the terrorists were neutralised within a few hours of the attack.

“Moreover, the fact that all passengers remained safe and were able to depart for their destinations from Karachi Airport once flight operations resumed, amply demonstrates the capabilities of our civil aviation authorities, security forces and airline managements to deal with any eventuality with a high degree of professionalism,” said a statement.

The embassy also said it hoped that the international community appreciates the sacrifices made by Pakistani forces against extremists over the last 30 years.

nhanif@thenational.ae