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.
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