Key points
- Move aims at enhancing connectivity
- Pakistan wants to strengthen economic ties with the key partner
- AirSial and Wizz Air to begin operations between the two countries
- UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reached an agreement to expand flight services between the two countries.
The move aims at enhancing connectivity and strengthening their long-standing partnership, according to Gulf News.
The agreement marks a significant step in enhancing bilateral trade and connectivity as Pakistan aims to strengthen its economic ties with its key partner in the Middle East.
Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE told Gulf News that the deal was finalised this week following discussions with UAE authorities regarding the introduction of new low-cost airline services between the two countries.
“As part of this agreement, Pakistan’s AirSial will begin flights from three Pakistani cities to Abu Dhabi, while Wizz Air will operate flights between Abu Dhabi and two cities in Pakistan,” Ambassador Tirmizi explained.
New services
The new services are expected to launch within the next two to three months, with final route details and flight schedules to be announced by the airlines soon.
Currently, at least eight airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways, Fly Dubai, PIA, Fly Jinnah, Air Arabia, Serene Air, and Air Blue operate flights between the two countries.
“This agreement goes beyond just increasing the number of flights,” Tirmizi added. “It’s about expanding trade, commerce, and cultural exchange between our two nations.”
This development comes at a pivotal time, as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to visit the UAE in February to participate in the World Government Summit.
The visit is expected to offer further opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and skilled labor employment.
Close business relations
The two countries are coming closer to each other in terms of business, investment, and trade relations, leading to various new developments in the past five years.
Pakistan and UAE have stepped up efforts in recent years to strengthen their business and investment relations.
In January 2023, Pakistan and the UAE signed multiple agreements worth more than $3 billion for cooperation in railways, economic zones and infrastructure, a Pakistani official said, amid Pakistani caretaker prime minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar’s visit to Davos for the World Economic Forum’s summit.
The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States, and a major source of foreign investment valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, according to the UAE Foreign Ministry.
