PIA to resume weekly Skardu-Dubai flights from April 29

GILGIT: “From the city of gold to the valley of dreams”, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the resumption of its international flight operations from Skardu International Airport, starting April 29.
PIA has already begun accepting bookings for these flights

A recent promotional campaign launched on social media captures the allure of the new route with the tagline: “From the city of gold to the valley of dreams, let’s take off from Dubai to Skardu with PIA! Discover the hidden treasures of the mountains. Book your tickets now and explore the beauty of Skardu.”

PIA’s weekly flight schedule, published on its official website, outlines the launch of a direct service to Dubai, UAE. Flight PK-211 is scheduled to depart from Skardu Airport at 3:40 PM every Monday, beginning April 29, and will arrive at Dubai International Airport. The return flight, PK-234, will operate from Dubai to Skardu, taking off at 4:25 AM every Friday, starting May 3.

The inaugural international flight from Dubai to Skardu occurred on August 14 last year, coinciding with Pakistan’s Independence Day, carrying 80 passengers and signaling a new frontier for the airline in the picturesque region.

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Alongside the Skardu-Dubai route, PIA is also commencing its summer season flights between Lahore and Gilgit from April 22, to further support the influx of tourists to Gilgit-Baltistan. These flights, operating twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays, will utilize the ATR 42-500 turboprop aircraft.

Adding to the regional connectivity, PIA has also been operating the Airbus A320, registration AP-BLC, on a bi-weekly schedule from Lahore to Skardu since April 3, under flight number PK455.

The resumption of international flights from Skardu is expected to significantly boost tourism, trekking, and expeditions in the Baltistan Region, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The development not only aims to enhance the area’s visibility on the global stage but also promises to stimulate economic growth through increased international tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges.