The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced to suspended all flight operations from Pakistan from today (Monday) onwards, amid rise in coronavirus cases in the country.

The UAE has suspended all flights from Pakistan, the UAEs General Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement, adding that the ban would also apply to transit flights.

According to the General Civil Aviation Authority, the suspension will remain in place until Pakistan sets up a coronavirus testing system for passengers. The GCCA was of the view that the move has been taken to ensure the safety of passengers.

Just days ago, UAE air carrier, Emirates announced to temporarily halt commercial flight operations from Pakistan with immediate effect.

The decision follows the announcement of some Covid-19 positive cases among passengers flying on Emirates to Hong Kong on Saturday.

An Emirates flight, on 20th June, from Dubai to Hong Kong reported 26 positive coronavirus cases after arrival, the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases on a single flight, Emirates Boeing 777-300ER operated flight number 380 from Dubai to Hong Kong.

"The operational status of Emirates services to and from various destinations in Pakistan will be reviewed on July 3, 2020."

"The permission for international flight operations shall be subject to applicable restrictions and limitations as decided by the competent authority from time to time, in light of the current Covid-19 scenario and implementation of health protocols," the Civil Aviation Division stated.