PIA launches direct flight from Balochistan to UAE

KARACHI – Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has started a direct flight between Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, and Turbat, Balochistan, facilitating passengers of the area.

Previously, expatriates had to travel through Karachi to reach their home in Balochistan however, this weekly flight would serve as a direct connection for expatriates, who are living in the UAE.

Additionally, the flight will operate once a week on Thursday using ATR aircraft and overseas Pakistanis are relieved over the flight.

The route was officially launched on Wednesday by Faisal Niaz Trimzi, Pakistani Ambassador to UAE at Al Ain Airport.

The ambassador said that there is a great capability for more cooperation with the start of new flights from Al Ain to Balochistan, highlighting that there was a need to increase more frequent flights, especially from Peshawar.

At present, two flights are currently operating between Islamabad and Al Ain every week but the people of Balochistan would have swift access to UAE.

Experts believe that new flights will boost international travel tourism in the region. Moreover, the arrival of international tourists will increase cultural understanding as well as trade and connectivity between the two countries.

It is to be highlighted that the Pakistani government is stepping ahead to privatize its perennially loss-making state-owned airline by June this year. A consultant was hired by the government who had submitted a comprehensive report in this regard. Earlier, the Privatisation Commission called for expressions of interest (EOI) to obtain 51-100% of the share capital and management control of the airline.

PIA has been facing a severe financial crisis for decades owing to multiple reasons including overstaffing and competition on a global scale which had compelled the lawmakers to find a solution in the form of privatizing the airline.