The Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) first-ever Lahore-Skardu flight took off on Sunday from Allama Iqbal International Airport carrying 153 passengers, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

This is the first-ever direct flight between Lahore and scenic beauty tourism heaven Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan. PIA District Manager Abdul Muqaddam Khan and PIA Station Manager Ali Asghar Zaidi bid farewell to the passengers at Lahore Airport.

There will be two weekly flights between Lahore and Skardu. 

PIA CEO Arshad Malik said PIA has been working on domestic flights while playing its due role in the promotion of tourism. He said the direct flight from Lahore to Swat has also been started. 

Read Also: PIA launches Lahore to Gilgit direct flight from May 18

PIA flights to UK

A PIA spokesperson said, “PIA acknowledges and is grateful for all the support extended by Pakistan Embassy in the United Kingdom, UK Civil Aviation Authority and Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) by facilitating and permitting 13 special flights to operate from Pakistan to UK before April 09.” 

“Due to short notice it required quick actions resulting in huge demand accommodated,” the airline posted on its official twitter handle. 

https://twitter.com/Official_PIA/status/1379655496781737985 

The PIA had mounted two more flights for the UK sector, in response to the high demand before restrictions took effect. 

“This makes total flights count to 13 including 8 additional flights. Due European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) restrictions, PIA had to charter planes to accommodate the expats to return to their homes in time,” the PIA said.