Pakistan has announced it would reduce international flights by 80 percent to control the spread of coronavirus infection in the country, The News reported.

The decision to cut down on international flights would be in force from May 5-20.  

"Amid high disease prevalence in various parts of the world and current disease situation in the country, with corresponding extreme stress on the critical care system, Pakistan has decided to significantly reduce inbound International Air Travel from 5 May to 20th May," said the National Command Operation Centre in a statement on Twitter.

It was not immediately clear which routes and air carriers will be affected.

The NCOC said the decision will be reviewed on May 18.

 “Pakistani passport holders (stranded/short term visa) are allowed to travel to Pakistan subject to exemption by the committee as per procedures in vogue,” the NCOC statement read.

(SAM)