Skardu airport to receive first international flight

GILGIT: Skardu International Airport is set to receive its first international flight on August 14, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani announced on social media.

“This is a thrilling development and would result in further prosperity and development of the tourism sector as well as international collaborations in the region,” he said.

He said that new facilities have now been set up to serve the international flights and shall be inaugurated on August 11.

“We are thankful for this monumental breakthrough which would prove to be a turning point for development and prosperity of G-B,” he concluded.

Last month, at least 12 Airbus A320 flights were connected with Pakistan’s major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Karachi. It is the only airport in the northern region that can accommodate wide jets like Airbus A320.

A surge in tourism to the country’s picturesque valley is now being anticipated with the expansion to the international level.

Skardu airport was declared international by the former prime minister in 2021, but the lack of refueling facilities for planes in the area hindered operations until now.

This first flight will reportedly arrive from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

CAA says Pakistan airspace safe despite EU warning