Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has launched direct flights to Istanbul from the capital Islamabad and the metropolis of Lahore.

The first flight departed from Lahore for Istanbul on Monday. The PIA will offer Islamabad-Istanbul flights four days a week and from Lahore twice a week. A cake-cutting ceremony was held at Allama Iqbal International Airport.

Aviation Minister Saad Rafique said that both countries are connected with strong cultural and historical ties.

He said that direct flights operation has been launched on the completion of 75 years of Pakistan and Turkiye diplomatic relations.   

The PIA passengers will be able to travel to 28 destinations via Turkish Airlines as part of the codeshare deal between the two carriers.

 Istanbul Airport is expected to welcome additional 150,000 passengers of the PIA.

Kadri Samsunlu, CEO of IGA, said: “We are pleased with Pakistan International Airlines’ Islamabad and Lahore flights, which will boost tourism between the two countries and provide Pakistani travelers with connections to nearly 300 destinations worldwide from a major hub like Istanbul.”

Amir Hayat, CEO of PIA, said Türkiye is Pakistan’s natural ally and it was the right time for the strong fraternal bond between the two countries to turn into a fruitful commercial aviation relationship.

Reporter Saeed Ahmed Saeed