Mumbai, January 2
Making its return flight following resumption of air services between India and Pakistan, a Pakistan International Airline (PIA) Airbus A-300, carrying 203 passengers, including two infants, left for Karachi today after a delay of 90 minutes.

The flight, which was due to take off at 2.40 pm, finally left for its destination at 4.10 pm. The delay was due to a group of 59 passengers bound for Haj checking-in shortly before the counters were to be closed.

The group had earlier come from Bangalore by an Indian Airlines flight and were finally accepted after the commander’s permission was sought.

The aircraft was also carrying more than eight tonnes of cargo, including 4.5 tonne betel leaves and pharma products.

The flight from Karachi had arrived here earlier with 161 passengers at 1.30 pm.

PIA would operate two flights a week — on Tuesday and Friday — between Karachi and Mumbai.