Key points
- Thousands of tourists and foreign climbers visit Gilgit-Baltistan every year
- Foreign tourists especially come for expeditions on various peaks, paragliding
- Initiative to help boost the local economy
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani airline Airblue inaugurated its direct flight between the southern port city of Karachi and Skardu – a famous tourist destination in the north of the country – on Saturday.
The first flight marked a significant step toward enhancing regional connectivity and boosting tourism in one of Pakistan’s most picturesque destinations.
From the city streets to Skardu’s Mountains.
Now flying from Lahore, Karachi & Islamabad. Your gateway to heaven on earth just got closer.📍 Skardu to Karachi inaugural flight 3rd May,2025. #airblue #SkarduFlights #PakistanBeauty #TravelWithAirblue pic.twitter.com/JllgGYW6dV
— Airblue (@airblueairline) May 2, 2025
During the launching ceremony at Karachi airport, key Airblue officials stated that the introduction of this direct route signifies a significant milestone in the airline’s mission to connect the diverse regions of Pakistan, Profit Pakistan reported.
Tourism gem
“This inaugural flight to Pakistan’s breathtaking tourism gem reflects our unwavering commitment to promoting domestic tourism and enhancing regional connectivity,” an official stated.
He highlighted the airline’s dedication to safety, customer satisfaction, and value, positioning Airblue not only as an airline but as a “national enabler of progress, connectivity, and global reach.”
Both tourists and locals called on the government to further develop tourism infrastructure in the region to unlock its full potential and strengthen the local economy.
Top 25 destinations
US-based broadcaster CNN this year curated a list of 25 destinations that are particularly worth visiting in 2025, naming Pakistan’s scenic Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region among them.
GB, a sparsely populated northern region of Pakistan, is home to some of the tallest peaks in the world and a major tourist destination.
Thousands of tourists and foreign climbers visit the region each year for expeditions on various peaks, paragliding and other sports activities.
