In a historic moment, the first international flight from Dubai touched down at Skardu airport on Monday.
With 79 passengers on board, the PK-234 flight departed Dubai at 4:15am and made a successful landing at Skardu International Airport four hours and thirty minutes later.
Upon arrival at the airport, the plane was greeted by a water cannon display, and the passengers were given bouquets.
Chief Secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani called the development “an historic moment.” He claimed in a statement released today that the start of international flights to Skardu would create new travel opportunities and link the area to the rest of the world.
He continued, “It’s a fantastic step towards promoting tourism and improving the region’s connectivity.”
Separately, on August 14, Pakistan’s 76th Independence Day, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, the ambassador of Pakistan to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), expressed happiness as the first international flight from Dubai took off for Skardu.
He commended the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the GB administration for their assistance to make “this historic flight a reality” and urged travellers to document and share Pakistan’s beauty through visual stories.
Ambassador Tirmizi continued by stating that today was a crucial step in advancing tourist promotion and fortifying international ties. He continued by saying that the trip to Skardu revealed the fabled Shangrila, opening up Pakistan’s splendour to the rest of the globe.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), given its “unique location 7,500 feet above sea level,” today was a “momentous occasion.”
“This accomplishment is a significant step forward in increasing the region’s airport travel accessibility, and it will open up more options for tourists to visit this stunning area and increase the air connectivity between the two locations.
“The development would not only benefit tourists and travellers, but it would also have a positive impact on the local economy,” it stated.
The statement also noted that Skardu and its environs were renowned for their breathtaking scenery and unmatched natural beauty, thus increased accessibility would surely draw more tourists.
The runways at both Gilgit and Chitral airports are too short for long-haul flights to land there, hence the only airport in northern Pakistan that can accommodate larger aircraft is Skardu.
PTI chief had proclaimed the airport to be “international” in December 2021 but due to the lack of a suitable refuelling infrastructure, international aircraft could not be flown to and from the airport.
However, plans are now in place to meet the fuel requirements of foreign aircraft, and the facility was opened on August 11.
At least 12 Airbus A320 flights were successful last month in connecting Skardu with important Pakistani towns, indicating a rise in tourism.
