Srinagar: India has requested Pakistan to “grant overflight clearance” for Srinagar-Sharjah flight “in the larger interest of the common people”, government sources said on Thursday.
They said Pakistani authorities had granted overflight clearance to GoFirst flights to operate the Srinagar-Sharjah sector on 23rd, 24th, 26th and 28th of October.
“Subsequently, Pakistan put the clearance for the same flight on hold for the period 31 October to 30 November 2021,” these sources said.
“This matter was promptly taken up with Pakistan through diplomatic channels and we have requested Pakistan to grant overflight clearance for this flight in the larger interest of the common people who have booked tickets on this route,” they added.
The Srinagar–Sharjah flight was flagged by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on October 23.
The flight hit a hurdle within ten day as Pakistan disallowed the use its air space. It is learnt that the flight that is scheduled to fly tonight at 9.15 pm from Srinagar airport would take a longer route to reach Sharjah.
Following the flagging off, the ‘Go First’ operates four flights a week- Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday- between Srinagar and Sharjah.
Former chief minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday termed the decision of Pakistan as “very unfortunate.”(UNI)
