Private Airlines Invited to Operate Flights to Gilgit-Baltistan to Boost Tourism

[Abbas Ali]

LAHORE: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman has invited the private airlines to join hands with the regional government and start flights to the scenic remote area.

Talking to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Malik Tahir Javaid, the G-B chief minister said the region had immense opportunities in tourism, energy and infrastructure sectors.

“Pakistan International Airlines’ operations in Gilgit-Baltistan are not enough to cater to the needs and increased role of the private sector is important to boost tourism,” he said.

Source: https://tribune.com.pk/story/1589975/2- ... te-region/

[Pakistan-1]

Only Shaheen and Serene have the planes that are able to operate flights to there

[ammad]

Gilgit Airport still can't handle A320 or 737. Not sure about A318.

[Abbas Ali]

Skardu can be served by Airbus A320 family aircraft of Shaheen Air and airblue and Boeing 737-800 of Serene Air.

Apparently PIA has daily A320 service between Islamabad and Skardu (subject to weather conditions).

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/pk451

Are PIA fares for Gilgit and Skardu subsidized by the government? Privately-owned airlines may find it difficult to compete with subsidized fares.

Abbas