Direct flights started between Pakistan and Azerbaijan

KARACHI: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has commenced direct flight operations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, a statement said.

Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov, PIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Air Marshal Arshad Malik and Aviation Division Secretary Shoukat Ali noted that the launch of the direct flights will contribute to the further deepening of relations between the two countries, especially in economy and tourism.

An official ceremony was held on the occasion of the launch of direct flights at Lahore Airport, where the officials congratulated the peoples of the two countries on the historical event and wished them success in future joint activities.

On the same day, a direct flight departed from Lahore to Baku. Along with Pakistani passengers, Azerbaijani Ambassador, PIA CEO and Aviation Division secretary also travelled to Azerbaijan.

The Heydar Aliyev International Airport of Azerbaijan received the first passenger flight of the PIA. An official ceremony was held at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov, Pakistani Ambassador to Azerbaijan Bilal Hayee, Azerbaijan State Civil Aviation Agency (SCAA) Director Arif Mammadov, AZAL Vice President Eldar Hajiyev, PIA CEO Air Marshal Arshad Malik, Aviation Division Secretary Shoukat Ali and other officials attended the ceremony.

Arif Mammadov, Eldar Hajiyev, Arshad Malik, Bilal Hayee spoke at the event, where they stressed of the importance of launch of the direct flights, which contribute to growing ties between the two countries, as well as increasing the number of direct flights as a result of future cooperation between the two countries’ airline companies.

Later that day, the Pakistani airlines carried out a direct flight from Karachi to Baku as well. The PIA will operate direct flights from Karachi and Lahore to Baku twice a week.