Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has reintroduced its direct flight service between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Skardu (KDU), a gateway to the scenic northern region of Pakistan, in a move aimed at boosting tourism and strengthening ties between the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan.
The inaugural ceremony was held at the PIA office in Dubai and attended by key dignitaries including Pakistan’s Consul General in Dubai, Hussain Muhammad. Also present were members of a foreign tourist group scheduled to travel on the first flight, signaling rising international interest in the picturesque Gilgit-Baltistan region.
Speaking at the launch, PIA Regional Manager Sarmad Aizaz described the seasonal flight as “a significant step toward boosting tourism and strengthening people-to-people connections between the UAE and Pakistan.” The route is expected to facilitate easier travel for tourists and expatriates, providing direct access to one of Pakistan’s most sought-after travel destinations, known for its mountain peaks, glaciers, and valleys.
This announcement comes at a time when PIA is showing signs of financial recovery after decades of losses. According to Defence and Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, the national carrier has posted its first net profit in over 21 years. For the fiscal year 2024, the airline reported an operating profit of Rs9.3 billion (approximately $33.14 million) and a net profit of Rs26.2 billion, following adjustments for deferred tax.
The financial turnaround follows a major restructuring of the airline’s debt. As part of the government’s privatization strategy, nearly 80 percent of PIA’s legacy debt was transferred to the state’s books, easing the burden on the carrier ahead of its planned sale.
The relaunch of the Dubai-Skardu route is seen as part of PIA’s broader strategy to revitalize operations and regain passenger confidence. Skardu, located in the heart of the Karakoram range, is a growing tourism hotspot, drawing both domestic and international visitors for trekking, mountaineering, and cultural tourism.
The airline aims to capitalize on this growing interest by offering more accessible routes for travelers from the Middle East, especially from the large Pakistani expatriate community in the UAE.
As Pakistan enters peak tourism season in the north, PIA’s move is expected to bolster tourism revenues and provide a boost to the local economy while positioning the national carrier as a key player in regional travel.
