Pakistani expats in the UAE are either cancelling or altering travel plans to their home country due to the travel ban imposed and the uncertainties prevailing over flight services amid COVID-19.

Many of them were forced to alter their travel itineraries during Eid Al Fitr holidays after Pakistan reduced international airlines’ flights by 80 per cent from May 5 and later the UAE put a ban on entry from Pakistan from May 12, IBNS said quoting Khaleej Times.

Etihad Airways and Flydubai also confirmed to Khaleej Times on Wednesday that temporary reduction of flights to Pakistan will continue till June 15 in line with the instructions of the Pakistan government.

However, many expats are concerned that travel restrictions and flight suspension might be extended till Eid Al Adha, which will fall in the third week of July. They fear that if the restrictions continue that would once again impact their travel plans, the newspaper reported.

Sanaullah Habibullah, a resident of Fujairah, told the newspaper that he decided to cancel his trip home because returning to the UAE could be a challenge considering the uncertainties and he can’t afford to stay outside the country for too long because of his business here.

“We had planned to go to Pakistan during summer vacation and return after Eid Al Adha. But we had to cancel it because returning to the UAE could be a bigger challenge. Even if my family prolongs vacation for 2-3 months that’s not an issue. But I have to return on time to look after my business,” said Habibullah, who owns a transport business.(SAM)