Latest news with #PIA
Arab News
a day ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan national airline resumes direct flights from Dubai to Skardu to boost tourism
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed direct flights between Dubai and Pakistan's mountainous Skardu district, the Pakistani consulate in Dubai said on Friday, in a bid to boost tourism. The Skardu district lies in Pakistan's northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, which is home to five of the world's 14 peaks above 8,000 meters and a major tourist destination. In Jan., CNN declared the scenic region among top 25 destinations in the world that are particularly worth visiting in 2025. To mark the resumption of PIA's Dubai-Skardu flights, initially launched in Aug. 2023, a ceremony was held at the airline's office in Dubai, which was attended by Pakistani Consul General Hussain Muhammad and other officials. 'PIA Regional Manager Mr. Sarmad Aizaz and his team hosted the event, celebrating this significant step toward boosting tourism and strengthening people-to-people ties between the UAE and Pakistan,' the Pakistani consulate said. 'The event also welcomed members of a foreign tourist group traveling on the inaugural flight, underscoring the growing interest in Pakistan's scenic northern areas.' The development comes days after PIA announced the launch of direct flights from Lahore to Paris, with the first flight taking off on June 18. In January, PIA resumed flights to Europe after a four-and-a-half-year ban was lifted by EU regulators, becoming the only carrier to offer a direct route to and from the European Union.
Gulf Today
a day ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
PIA resumes direct flights from Dubai to Pakistan's tourist spot Skardu
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed direct flights from Dubai to Skardu, the country's snow-clad mountains and tourist destination, with the first flight taking off on Friday (May 30), marking a significant development in promoting tourism to northern regions. PIA had started its international flight operations at Skardu Airport where the first flight, carrying 80 passengers, landed from Dubai on Aug.14, 2023. The direct flight service reduces travel time from over 20 hours by road via the Karakoram Highway to under three hours by air. The Pakistan's northern regions attract visitors year-round. To celebrate the occasion, a cake-cutting ceremony was held at the PIA office in Dubai, attended by Hussain Muhammad, Consul General. The event also welcomed members of a foreign tourist group travelling on the inaugural flight, underscoring the growing interest in Pakistan's scenic northern areas. Hussain Muhammad (third from right) with PIA officials during the ceremony in Dubai on Thursday. PIA Regional Manager Sarmad Aizaz and his team hosted the event, celebrating this significant step toward boosting tourism and strengthening people-to-people ties between the UAE and Pakistan. The move is part of PIA's broader expansion strategy to boost tourism in the country. Speaking on the occasion, Hussain said, 'This flight not only facilitates Pakistani expatriates but also opens the doors for more than 200 nationalities living in the UAE to discover the untouched beauty of Skardu and Gilgit-Baltistan.' Earlier, Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, had invited residents to explore the unmatched natural beauty of the Northern Areas while availing the opportunity of taking direct flight to one of the world's most scenic destinations. Hussain Muhammad with PIA officials during the ceremony. Skardu is home to beautiful lakes, valleys, and amazing landscapes, added Ambassador Tirmizi. Located at 2,500 metres (8,200 feet) above the sea level, the city of wonders is home to lakes, waterfalls and springs. Deosai National Park, Upper Kachura Lake, Manthokha Waterfalls and Kharpocho Fort and Shangrila are the key areas of attractions for the tourists. Due to snow-covered and lofty mountains the temperatures normally go down below -20°C during the winter in Skardu, which is also a perfect destination for skiing lovers.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Balloon with Pakistani markings found in Himachal village
A suspicious balloon bearing the Pakistani national symbol and the acronym 'PIA' was found in a village of Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district on Friday, police said. The balloon was spotted by a local woman, Sheetal, near Chattri Mata Temple in Suliali panchayat of Nurpur area. She informed her father and the incident was reported to the village head and the local police. The police reached the spot and took the balloon into custody. A local resident Pritam also confirmed seeing the balloon in a nearby stream while on his way to work. DSP Vishal Verma confirmed that the balloon has been found and added that investigation is underway to determine the origin and intent behind the incident.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE-Pakistan travel: PIA relaunches direct flights from Dubai to Skardu
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced on May 30 the re-launch of its direct service between Dubai International (DXB) airport and Pakistan's Skardu (KDU) city. The launch was held at the PIA office in Dubai, and attended by Hussain Muhammad, Consul General. The event also welcomed members of a foreign tourist group travelling on the inaugural flight, underscoring the growing interest in Pakistan's scenic northern areas. Sarmad Aizaz, regional manager of PIA, said the launch of this seasonal flight is a 'significant step toward boosting tourism and strengthening people-to-people ties between the UAE and Pakistan.' Pakistan's national carrier emerged from financial turbulence and recorded its first-ever net profit in over two decades. The announcement came ahead of a second attempt by the government to sell the airline. "PIACL Board today has approved its accounts FY 2024, and after 21 years, it has achieved an operating profit of Rs9.3 Billion ($33.14 million) and net profit of Rs26.2 Billion (after deferred tax adjustment)," said Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Defence and Aviation Minister. Pakistan had offloaded nearly 80 per cent of the airline's legacy debt and shifted it to government books ahead of the privatisation attempt.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
PIA resumes Dubai-Skardu direct flights from May 30
Listen to article Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to resume direct flights between Dubai and Skardu from Friday (today) offering travellers convenient access to one of Pakistan's most picturesque and remote northern destinations, APP reported. The seasonal flight service was formally announced during a ceremony held at PIA's Dubai office, attended by airline's Regional Manager Sarmad Aizas, and Pakistan's Consul General in Dubai, Hussain Muhammad. The event, which included a cake-cutting ceremony, was also attended by members of a foreign tourist group booked on the inaugural flight. Speaking on the occasion, the consul general said, 'This flight not only facilitates Pakistani expatriates but also opens the doors for more than 200 nationalities living in the UAE to discover the untouched beauty of Skardu and Gilgit-Baltistan.' Skardu, located around 570 kilometres north of Islamabad, is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, including some of the world's highest peaks such as K2, as well as cold deserts and scenic valleys. The direct flight service reduces travel time from over 20 hours by road via the Karakoram Highway to under three hours by air. The region attracts visitors year-round. The summer season in Gilgit-Baltistan offers a respite from the Gulf heat, with temperatures typically remaining below 20°C. In winter, the region is transformed by snow, attracting tourists for its unique cold desert safari experience against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. PIA officials expressed hope that the route would further promote tourism in the country's northern areas and provide greater travel convenience for overseas Pakistanis and international tourists alike.
