ISLAMABAD: Pakistani private airline Air Sial has officially launched its first flight to the United Arab Emirates, marking a major step forward in the nation’s aviation industry.
The inaugural international flight (PF784) departed from Islamabad International Airport to Dubai at 11:34 a.m. with 137 passengers on board. According to a statement by the airline, the Pakistan Airports Authority successfully facilitated and supervised the launch, underscoring its importance for Pakistan’s growing air travel market.
Air Sial was established in 2020 by the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry to enhance air connectivity for Sialkot, an industrial hub in Punjab province. Since then, it has steadily expanded its domestic network, covering major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Sialkot, Quetta, and Multan.
The airline began its international operations in March 2023 with its first flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, followed by routes to Riyadh, Madinah, and Dammam. In June 2023, Air Sial further expanded by introducing direct flights from Pakistan to Oman.
The launch of flights to the UAE signals Air Sial’s commitment to becoming a key player in the Gulf region’s aviation market, leveraging its modern fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft.
The expansion comes shortly after Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) resumed direct flights between Dubai and Skardu, a scenic district in Pakistan’s north, to promote tourism.
Air Sial’s entry into the UAE market is expected to boost connectivity, trade, and tourism between Pakistan and the Gulf states, strengthening bilateral ties and offering more options for Pakistani travelers and expatriates.
