Direct Lahore–Baku flights expand as Airblue joins PIA, AZAL routes

LAHORE: Airblue has launched direct flights from Lahore to Baku, becoming Pakistan’s second airline to operate the route after Pakistan International Airlines and Azerbaijan Airlines.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Qasim Mohiuddin said the launch marked another step in strengthening bilateral relations, driven by close coordination between the two countries’ leadership.

“Azerbaijan and Pakistan have historically shared fraternal ties and a strong and special relationship,” Mohiuddin said, noting that high-level exchanges over the past year had produced “concrete and positive results.”

A new milestone achieved in 🇵🇰🇦🇿 relations. Airblue has started direct flights from Lahore to Baku. PIA and AZAL already operate direct flights between our brotherly countries.
🇵🇰🤝🇦🇿 pic.twitter.com/yzvXW0RyGE

— Pakistan Embassy Azerbaijan (@PakinAzerbaijan) May 2, 2026

He added that Pakistan is also participating in the International Carpet Festival in Icherisheher, saying such initiatives contribute to deepening ties.

“The launch of direct flights between Lahore and Baku by a second Pakistani airline is further confirmation of the high level of relations between our countries,” he said.

On April 20, 2025, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) launched its direct flights from Lahore to Baku Azerbaijan as part of its ongoing efforts to expand international connectivity and boost tourism. 

On June 16, 2023, Pakistan and Azerbaijan had agreed to start flights between Islamabad and Baku at a meeting held in Baku between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.

Speaking at a joint press conference after the meeting, the two leaders had said that they have agreed to introduce flights between the two countries.

“Pakistan welcomes Azerbaijan Airlines to start its operations to Islamabad,” PM Shehbaz had said, extending an invitation to the country’s aviation minister to visit Pakistan to also consider Baku-Karachi flights in efforts to promote bilateral tourism.

The PM spoke highly of President Aliyev’s leadership in building the country’s infrastructure and impressive horticulture. Citing the “pleasant surprises” of neatness and beauty of Baku, the prime minister requested the Azerbaijan president to “lend their experts” to Islamabad.