Pakistan international airlines (PIA) has resumed direct flights from Dubai to Skardu starting May 30, 2025.
To commemorate the event, a cake cutting ceremony was held at the PIA office in Dubai. The event became attended through Hussain Muhammad, Consul general, and individuals of a foreign tourist gather travelling on the inaugural flight.
PIA regional director Sarmad Aizaz and his group facilitated the event, highlighting the move’s capacity to upgrade tourism and improve ties between the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan.
Skardu, found around 570 kilometers north of Islamabad, is known for its dramatic mountain scenes, including a few of the world’s highest crests along with K2, as well as cold deserts and scenic valleys.
The direct flight between Dubai and Skardu reduces travel time from over 20 hours through road through the Karakoram interstate to beneath three hours by air. The region attracts visitors year-round.
Read more: PIA to operate twice a week flights to Skardu and Gilgit
With temperatures regularly remaining underneath 20 degrees Celsius, Gilgit-Baltistan’s summer gives a relief from Gulf heat. The area is changed by snow in the winter, drawing in visitors for its special cold desert safari experience in front of snow-capped mountains.
PIA officers expressed trust that the course might further advance tourism in the country’s northern regions and give more travel comfort for overseas Pakistanis and worldwide tourists alike.
“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.