KARACHI: Pakistan and the UAE have reached an agreement to expand flight operations, with Pakistan’s AirSial and Hungry’s Wizz Air set to operate flights between Pakistani cities and Abu Dhabi, a top diplomat said on Friday.
Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, told Arab News the development was a testament to the “strong and enduring partnership” between Pakistan and the UAE, reinforcing their shared commitment to enhancing connectivity, trade, and people-to-people ties.
“As part of this initiative, Pakistan’s private airline, AirSial, will soon commence operations from three major Pakistani cities to Abu Dhabi, further strengthening our aviation sector and providing greater travel convenience for our citizens and business communities,” Tirmizi said.
“Additionally, Wizz Air will begin flights between Abu Dhabi and two Pakistani cities, offering more affordable and accessible travel options.”
The envoy said the expansion would significantly benefit travelers, boost trade, tourism and economic exchanges, and deepen Pakistan’s strategic partnership with the UAE.
“With millions of Pakistanis living and working in the UAE, this agreement reflects our continued efforts to facilitate mobility and strengthen socio-economic ties between the two nations,” Tirmizi said.
“We appreciate the support of UAE authorities in finalizing this agreement and look forward to welcoming more business, tourism, and investment opportunities as a result of these enhanced air links.”
AirSial is a Pakistani private airline based in Sialkot that was inaugurated in 2020. AirSial had its first domestic flight on Dec. 25, 2020, and started flying internationally, with King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, as its first destination, on Mar. 29 2023. International operations were extended to Muscat in Oman from June 2023.
Wizz Air Holdings Plc., stylized as W!ZZ, is a Hungarian ultra low-cost carrier group headquartered in Saint Helier, Jersey. The company includes subsidiaries Wizz Air Hungary, Wizz Air Malta, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, and Wizz Air UK. The airlines serve numerous cities across Europe, as well as some destinations in North Africa, the Middle East, and South and Central Asia. As of 2023, the airline group has its largest bases at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport, and London Luton Airport and flies to 194 airports.
