Passengers from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) protested against the carrier as the crew members did not obey social distancing rules on a coronavirus pandemic flight to Toronto.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had given the airline strict SOPs to be enforced during all special flights in order to cope with the deadly illness.

Nevertheless, the protesters PIA said passengers were sitting next to each other rather than leaving a one-seat space.

The passengers argued that the airline had refused to take precautionary steps, even though it paid $3,000 for flights that cost $1,400 previously.

On the other hand, the PIA spokeswoman claimed that all safety steps had been taken and that the planes had been disinfected.

It also provided passengers with masks and gloves, he said.

“The tickets were overpriced because the flight had to come back from Canada empty,” he added.

In addition, due to the coronavirus outbreak the CAA extended the suspension of all international flights until May 15.