Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to enhance tourism by increasing the number of flights to the country’s northern regions.
The national carrier’s spokesperson revealed that these additional services would commence soon, starting with bi-directional flights between Islamabad and Chitral from May 18.
The airline will operate these routes twice weekly, enhancing access to Pakistan’s most scenic destinations. Furthermore, PIA is set to initiate flights between Dubai and Skardu starting April 29. The schedule for this new international route includes flights departing from Dubai on Fridays and returning from Skardu on Sundays.
This initiative is part of PIA’s broader strategy to attract more international tourists to Pakistan’s northern areas, known for their stunning landscapes and cultural heritage. In 2022, PIA similarly increased flight operations to these regions and encouraged early ticket bookings to handle the expected surge in holiday travellers.
Additionally, PIA is actively working on restoring its flight operations to Europe. The airline is in the final stages of preparing for the anticipated lifting of a flight ban by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The ban was initially imposed following a tragic accident in Karachi in May 2020, which resulted in 97 fatalities and exposed irregularities in the licensing process for commercial pilots.
PIA plans to establish Paris as its hub for European flights to reconnect with European destinations. This move will facilitate smoother operations and enhance service delivery across its network.
