PIA commences direct flights from Lahore to northern areas in a bid to promote tourism

According to local media, the first flight of national flag carrier carrying 153 passengers departed from Lahore to Skardu. The move is part of PIA’s enhanced flight operation.

PIA's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Arshad Malik said that the national airline is performing its national duty to promote tourism.

Earlier on March 26, Swat’s Saidu Sharif airport welcomed first flight after a gap of 17 years as the airport became operational.

A flight of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), PK-640 landed at Swat’s airport at around 11am. A total of 48 passengers were on board, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar and Communications Minister Murad Saeed.

The government is making airports in northern areas operational again in order to promote tourism in these areas. Prior to Swat’s Saidu Sharif Airport, Skardu, Gilgit and Chitral airports were also made operational.