Expert: Opening of direct flights to strengthen Baku-Islamabad trade ties

The direct flights' operation from two cities Karachi and Lahore of Pakistan to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is going to usher in a new era of relations between both the countries, Qaiser Nawab - Founder Executive Director, Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development – GSISD in Pakistan, told Report.

“The news of direct flights operation from two cities of Pakistan to Azerbaijan is welcoming and long-awaited news… At the very first, it will save precious time for the passengers. It will also have an impact on the costs of the flights; Passengers will have less to pay,” he said.

“The direct flights will increase the ratio of people exchange and more people will commute between both the brotherly countries. Both countries have huge potential for tourism.”

“The direct flights will also increase the business and trade opportunities between both the countries. The Pakistani items will get access to the Azerbaijan market and vice versa. Pakistan being one of the largest countries by population has huge potential for Azerbaijani products,” he added.

This week Pakistan International Airlines will start operating flights to Baku from two Pakistani cities Karachi and Lahore. The national air carrier of Azerbaijan also plans to launch flights from Baku to Lahore.