PIA to start direct Maldives flights after fleet expansion

Pakistan International Airlines will begin direct flights between Pakistan and the Maldives once new aircraft join its fleet, the airline's chief executive said on Wednesday.

The move is part of efforts by Pakistan and the Maldives to boost tourism, trade and people-to-people links.

Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Amir Hayat, PIA's CEO, made the announcement during a meeting at the airline's head office with a high-level Maldivian delegation led by Speaker of the National Assembly Abdul Raheem Abdulla, according to a PIA statement.

"Direct flights to Maldives will be started as soon as aircraft are added to PIA's fleet," Hayat said.

Abdulla said improved air connectivity would lead to significant progress in mutual trade, tourism and public contacts between the two countries. "The launch of direct flights between Pakistan and Maldives will further strengthen the brotherly relations between the two countries," he said.

The PIA statement said the two sides discussed the launch of direct flight operations, and the route is expected to support tourism, trade and greater people-to-people contact. The Maldivian delegation is visiting Pakistan as a state guest and includes the Maldivian high commissioner, second secretary, deputy leader and other senior officials. No date for the first Maldives flight has been announced.

PIA has been working to expand and modernise its fleet. According to Business Recorder, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met separately with Boeing Global President Dr Brendan Nelson. Aurangzeb welcomed Boeing's confirmation that a revised proposal for the acquisition of new aircraft would be shared with PIA, and said options for earlier delivery slots and interim leasing arrangements would also be explored.

Aurangzeb outlined PIA's privatisation and plans to outsource the management of major airports. He appreciated Boeing's support for aviation-safety capacity, regulatory engagement and the restoration of direct flights to the United States, while underscoring Pakistan's strong long-term aviation growth potential. No further details about the Maldives route or potential frequency have been released.