PIA relaunches direct flights between Dubai and Skardu, Pakistan

Dubai: Travellers in Dubai can now fly directly to the breathtaking, snow-capped mountains of Skardu, Pakistan, as Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the relaunch of its seasonal flight service.

The airline confirmed that direct flights between Dubai and Skardu will resume starting May 30, 2025, offering passengers an opportunity to explore one of Pakistan's most scenic and remote destinations.

Sarmad Aizas, PIA’s Regional Manager in Dubai, made the announcement during a ceremony held at the PIA office in Dubai. The event featured a cake-cutting ceremony and was attended by Hussain Muhammad, Pakistan’s Consul General in Dubai, along with members of a foreign tourist group set to travel on the inaugural flight.

“This flight not only facilitates Pakistani expatriates but also opens the doors for more than 200 nationalities living in the UAE to discover the untouched beauty of Skardu and Gilgit-Baltistan,” said Hussain. Located approximately 570 kilometers north of Islamabad, the region is known for its serene valleys, the world’s highest mountain ranges including K2, and the unique cold desert landscapes.

With the new service, travelers can reach Skardu from Dubai in under three hours — a significant improvement over the more than 20-hour journey by road along the historic Karakoram Highway.

During the summer, temperatures in Gilgit-Baltistan typically stay below 20°C, offering a cool escape from the desert heat. In winter, the region is blanketed in snow, transforming it into a winter wonderland. Among the area's unique experiences is a desert safari through the sand dunes of the cold desert in Skardu, set against a dramatic backdrop of snowy peaks and rugged terrain, a journey both thrilling and unforgettable.