Private Pakistani airline to start direct flights to UAE

The newest carrier from Pakistan, AirSial, has officially launched direct services from Abu Dhabi to two major Pakistani cities, offering affordable options starting at Dh1,000 (approximately Rs 76,000) for travelers in the UAE’s sizeable Pakistani community.

Abu Dhabi Airports announced that AirSial will now operate three flights per week between Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Lahore, along with four weekly flights connecting Abu Dhabi to Islamabad. The addition of these routes reflects the growing social and economic ties between the UAE and Pakistan, the airport operator said.

The airline’s first flight touched down at AUH with passengers benefiting from the airport’s streamlined procedures, including a quick 12-minute transition from gate to curb and access to more than 160 retail outlets.

Gulf News reported that Abu Dhabi Airports Managing Director and CEO Elena Sorlini welcomed AirSial’s entry, noting that the new services support the airport’s broader strategy to expand global connectivity and serve diverse communities. She highlighted that the routes will provide greater accessibility for the Pakistani diaspora across the UAE.

AirSial Chairman Fazal Jilani described the launch as an important step in boosting regional links. He said the new connection strengthens long-standing ties between Pakistan and the UAE while offering a convenient travel bridge for both residents and businesses.

Backed by Sialkot’s business community, AirSial has steadily grown from domestic operations to international destinations, and its addition to AUH’s network underscores the airport’s role as an expanding global hub.

Earlier, Etihad Airways started nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi and Peshawar on September 29, 2025, beginning with five weekly services and planning to go daily from November 22 using Airbus A320 aircraft. This became Etihad’s fourth direct route to Pakistan, joining flights to Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi also introduced three weekly flights to Sialkot on July 17, 2025, complementing its existing routes to Faisalabad and Multan. Meanwhile, flydubai continues to offer direct connections from Dubai to several Pakistani cities, including Quetta.