PM Shehbaz Welcomes Return of Direct PIA Flights to Baku

In a major development that promises to boost tourism, trade, and diplomatic ties, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially welcomed the return of direct Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights from Pakistan to Baku, Azerbaijan. The announcement has been met with widespread appreciation from the business community, the Pakistani diaspora in Azerbaijan, and travel enthusiasts.

This decision is seen as a strategic step towards strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, and promoting regional connectivity and economic growth.

• PM Shehbaz Sharif officially welcomes resumption of direct PIA flights to Baku

• First flight set to depart from Islamabad to Baku later this month

• The move aims to boost tourism, business, and people-to-people contact

• Improved air connectivity to benefit the Pakistani diaspora in Azerbaijan

• PIA plans to expand flight operations to more Central Asian destinations

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing the media, expressed his pleasure over the resumption of direct PIA flights to Baku. He highlighted how such steps are essential for improving connectivity, promoting tourism, and enabling Pakistani businesses to explore opportunities in new markets.

“The return of direct PIA flights to Baku marks a new chapter in Pakistan’s foreign outreach and economic diplomacy,” said PM Shehbaz.

This announcement came amid ongoing high-level talks between Pakistan and Azerbaijan aimed at strengthening cooperation in sectors like energy, trade, defense, and transportation.

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, has emerged as a popular travel destination for Pakistani tourists in recent years. With its rich history, modern skyline, and hospitable culture, the city offers a unique mix of East and West.

For years, passengers had to rely on connecting flights through Gulf countries, making travel more expensive and time-consuming. The revival of direct PIA flights solves this problem, offering affordable, time-efficient travel options.

Pakistan and Azerbaijan have historically shared friendly diplomatic relations, with common interests in trade, energy cooperation, and cultural exchange. Direct flights are expected to:

• Enhance bilateral trade

• Strengthen tourism exchanges

• Support cultural understanding and educational ties

• Promote business-to-business collaboration

• Improve logistical convenience for diplomatic missions and delegations

The business sector has praised the government’s initiative, considering it a golden opportunity for economic expansion.

Reactions from business leaders:

• “Direct flights will significantly reduce travel time and cost for exporters and importers,” said a representative of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce representative.

• “This is a great move for tourism companies and trade delegations,” added a senior executive from the travel industry.

The Pakistani community in Baku has welcomed the move with open arms. With over 3,000 Pakistanis currently residing in Azerbaijan, the lack of direct connectivity has long been a concern.

“We’ve waited years for this. It’ll finally be easier to visit our families and attend business meetings in Pakistan,” shared a Pakistani entrepreneur in Baku.

PIA has announced that flights will initially operate twice a week from Islamabad to Baku, with plans to expand to Lahore and Karachi shortly.

• Route: Islamabad – Baku – Islamabad

• Frequency: Twice Weekly (Friday and Sunday)

• Flight Duration: Approx. 3.5 hours

• Aircraft: Airbus A320

Bookings are now open via the PIA website, mobile app, and authorized travel agents.

This is part of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s broader vision to revitalize PIA and aviation infrastructure across Pakistan. Other recent developments include:

• New routes to Central Asia and the Middle East

• Fleet modernization plans for PIA

• Partnerships with international airlines for codesharing

• Renovation of Islamabad and Lahore airports to international standards

Social media users expressed delight over the announcement. The hashtags #PIAtoBaku and #PakistanAzerbaijan began trending within hours.

“Affordable and direct—finally, PIA doing something right,” tweeted a traveler from Islamabad.
“This will help build cultural bridges between the two countries,” said another user from Lahore.

The resumption of direct PIA flights to Baku is more than just a logistical upgrade. It symbolizes a deeper partnership between Pakistan and Azerbaijan—one built on mutual trust, strategic goals, and shared opportunities.

With the government committed to strengthening Pakistan’s global connectivity, this initiative reflects a positive step toward rebuilding confidence in the national carrier and boosting the country’s image abroad.

As direct flights take off, so too does the potential for economic, social, and diplomatic transformation.