Sharjah flight: Pakistan had given its nod before flight was launched

New Delhi, Nov 4 (UNI) India has requested Pakistan through diplomatic channels to grant overflight clearance to GoFirst’s recently-inaugurated Srinagar-Sharjah flights, after Islamabad abruptly put the clearance on hold after a few days.

India has asked Pakistan to allow GoFirst’s Srinagar-Sharjah flight to use its airspace in the larger interest of the common people who have booked tickets on this route, sources said.

Pakistani authorities had granted overflight clearance to GoFirst flights to operate the Srinagar-Sharjah sector on October 23, 24, 26 and 28.

Subsequently, Pakistan put the clearance for the same flight on hold for the period October 31 to November 30.
Former CM Omar Abdullah expressed dismay over Pakistan tantrums, as it was an opportunity to improve Indo-Pak relations. Mufti put the blame on GOI.

“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,” sources said.
On Tuesday, Pakistani authorities did not allow Go First’s Srinagar-Sharjah flight to use the country’s airspace, forcing the budget airline to reroute the service and add 40 minutes to its flying time, according to reports.

Pakistan’s move was described as “very unfortunate” by National Conference leader Omar Abdullah while PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti blamed the Centre for not doing “any groundwork” before launching the service.
GoFirst’s Srinagar-Sharjah sector flight service was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on October 23. GoFirst was formerly known as GoAir.