ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the commencement of direct flights from Lahore to Baku beginning April 20, as part of its initiative to enhance international connectivity and promote tourism.
According to PIA management, the airline will operate two weekly flights on this new route, scheduled every Sunday and Wednesday.
To celebrate the launch, special events will be organized in major cities across Pakistan, aimed at engaging travel agents and tour operators. These gatherings will also include presentations on upcoming international routes being planned by the airline.
PIA officials underscored the vital role travel agents play in ensuring the success of the Baku route. “Our focus is to make this new route commercially sustainable while fostering tourism and strengthening trade ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan,” the airline said in a statement.
This announcement comes amid a wave of renewed optimism for the national carrier. Just last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised PIA’s return to profitability after nearly two decades, describing it as a “major turnaround.”
He also commended Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and his team for their leadership and efforts.
According to PIA’s latest financial report, the airline’s Board of Directors approved the 2024 results, which revealed an operational profit of Rs3.9 billion and a net profit of Rs2.26 billion — marking the airline’s first positive earnings in years.
