Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plans to launch direct flights between Pakistan and the Maldives once additional aircraft are inducted into its fleet, according to PIA Chief Executive Officer Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Amir Hayat.
The announcement was made during a meeting between the PIA chief executive and a high-level Maldivian delegation led by Speaker of the National Assembly Abdul Raheem Abdulla at the airline’s head office.
According to a PIA statement, the two sides discussed the potential launch of direct flight operations between Pakistan and the Maldives, with the proposed air link expected to facilitate tourism, trade and people-to-people contacts between the two countries.
Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Amir Hayat said direct flights to the Maldives would begin once additional aircraft become available within PIA’s fleet. The airline has been working on plans to expand and modernise its fleet as part of its broader efforts to strengthen its operations and international connectivity.
The Maldivian delegation, visiting Pakistan as a state guest, included the Maldivian High Commissioner, Second Secretary, Deputy Leader and other senior officials.
Abdul Raheem Abdulla said improved air connectivity could contribute to greater cooperation in tourism, trade and public-to-public contacts. He also linked the proposed direct flights with stronger relations between Pakistan and the Maldives.
For Pakistan’s tourism sector, a direct air connection with the Maldives could create a more convenient travel option for visitors and travellers between the two countries. The Maldives is an established international tourism destination, while Pakistan offers diverse cultural, historical, mountain and adventure tourism experiences.
The proposed route would also add to Pakistan’s broader efforts to improve international air connectivity. Direct international services can reduce the need for indirect travel and potentially make travel arrangements more accessible for tourists, business travellers and other passengers.
PIA’s planned Maldives operation is linked to the availability of additional aircraft, making fleet expansion an important factor in determining the timing of the proposed service.
The airline has also been engaged in discussions concerning fleet modernisation. Earlier, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb discussed PIA’s fleet plans with Boeing Global President Dr Brendan Nelson, including a revised proposal for the acquisition of new aircraft, earlier delivery opportunities and interim leasing arrangements.
The proposed Pakistan-Maldives service therefore comes as PIA continues to pursue fleet expansion alongside efforts to strengthen its international network.
If launched, the direct connection would provide another potential link between South Asia and the Indian Ocean tourism market while supporting greater travel, tourism and commercial interaction between Pakistan and the Maldives.
