ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Sunday launched direct flights from Lahore to Azerbaijan’s capital Baku, as part of its latest efforts to expand international connectivity and boost tourism.
The inaugural flight took off on Sunday, as Pakistan’s national carrier expands its reach to Central Asia.
To mark the occasion, a special ceremony was held at the International Departure Lounge of Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov were also present on the occasion.
PIA’s PK-159 flight departed from Lahore Airport to Baku at 11:50 am with 152 passengers on board.
The commencement of this new route signifies a significant milestone in the national carrier’s strategy to expand its international network and enhance connectivity between Pakistan and Central Asia.
This initiative also reflects the growing diplomatic and economic ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, aiming to boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people linkages.
A large number of Pakistani citizens travel every year to Baku for tourism and business purposes.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan have maintained close diplomatic and economic relations, with both countries seeking to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors.
It is pertinent to mention that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a two-day official visit to Azerbaijan in February this year.
During the visit, the prime minister will hold high-level meetings with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, and other senior Azerbaijani officials.
Several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements were also signed, further solidifying the partnership between the two countries.
