Skardu, a picturesque gem nestled within Gilgit-Baltistan’s breathtaking landscapes, has etched its name in aviation history as Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) achieves a remarkable feat on the nation’s 77th Independence Day. The Skardu airport celebrated its first-ever international flight from Dubai on August 14, 2023.
This momentous occasion follows an announcement by Gilgit-Baltistan’s Chief Secretary, Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani, designating August 14 as the day when Skardu would host its maiden international flight from Dubai.
The debut flight ushers in a new era of connectivity, setting the stage for regular flight services. Following the inaugural flight, PIA is set to initiate a weekly flight schedule, offering the Dubai-Skardu route starting from Saturday, August 19, and flights from Skardu to Dubai commencing on Tuesday, August 22.
In a bid to ensure seamless journeys for passengers, PIA’s spokesperson highlighted that the inaugural Dubai-Skardu flight will subsequently extend its route to the capital city, Islamabad, providing convenient onward travel options.
The pivotal role of Skardu Airport in achieving this milestone cannot be overstated. As the sole airport in northern Pakistan equipped to handle larger aircraft, Skardu’s runways position it as a crucial hub for long-distance flights, especially due to the shorter runways at Gilgit and Chitral airports.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan conferred international status upon Skardu Airport. Despite this recognition, the airport’s potential remained untapped due to the lack of a dedicated refueling facility for international flights.
Taking proactive measures to address this issue, the relentless efforts of aviation authorities have borne fruit. The inauguration of the refueling facility on August 11 signifies a significant stride towards unleashing the airport’s international capabilities.