After a five-year hiatus, PIA resumes flights to Swat

Saidu Sharif airport had been shut down after militants took over the valley in 2007.

MINGORA:

In a sign that country’s most-popular tourist destination is back in business, the national flag carrier touched down on tarmac in Swat, after a five-year-long hiatus.

A Pakistan International Airlines aircraft landed at Saidu Sharif airport in Swat in Wednesday, resuming the airline’s operations in a region reclaimed from militancy.

The airport was shut for all flights after militants took over the Swat valley in 2007.

The airline flew in its top management, including Managing Director Junaid Younas, in an ATR aircraft.

Additional Commissioner Malakand Division Aminul Haq, District Officer Revenue Niaz Khan and Manager PIA Swat welcomed the incoming passengers upon their arrival.

The managing director paid rich tributes to the security forces and the Civil Aviation Authority for repairing the airport, and reopening it.

Younas said PIA will operate two flights a week, starting October 28.

The administration will resume flights between Swat and Islamabad, and gradually extend services from Saidu Sharif to other cities of Pakistan, he said.

The airline will attempt to fix a reasonable fare for residents of the valley, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 11^th, 2012.