PIA relaunches direct flights between Skardu and Dubai

 Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the relaunch of its seasonal direct flights between Dubai and Skardu, starting May 30, 2025, offering travelers a swift gateway to Pakistan’s mountainous north.

The route, which reduces travel time from over 20 hours by road to under three hours by air, aims to boost tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan, home to K2 and other Himalayan peaks. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Dubai attended by Pakistan’s Consul General Hussain Muhammad and PIA officials.

“This service connects UAE’s 200+ nationalities to Skardu’s untouched landscapes,” said Sarmad Aizas, PIA’s Dubai Regional Manager. The initiative targets both Pakistani expatriates and international tourists seeking adventure in the region’s valleys, cold deserts, and trekking routes.

Skardu, located 570km north of Islamabad, serves as a base for expeditions to some of the world’s highest mountains. PIA’s revival of the route follows demand for accessible travel options to remote destinations.

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No operational details or fare structures were disclosed, but the airline confirmed the flights would run seasonally.