Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to establish direct air connectivity between Pakistan and the Maldives, a move expected to boost bilateral trade, tourism, and diplomatic ties between the two South Asian nations.
Currently, no direct air routes exist between the two countries. The announcement followed a high-level meeting in Islamabad, where a delegation of lawmakers from the Maldives’ ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) headed by Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla visited PIA headquarters.
During the discussion, PIA Chief Executive Officer Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Amir Hayat confirmed that direct flights to the Maldives will commence as soon as the airline completes upcoming fleet additions.
According to official statements from the airline, discussions centered on the commercial and social benefits of direct route operations. Both sides highlighted how direct connectivity will streamline passenger transit, strengthen regional tourism, and encourage closer trade partnerships.
Speaker Abdul Raheem emphasized that direct flights would serve as a catalyst for economic growth and public exchange while further solidifying long-standing bilateral relations between both nations.
The route expansion plan aligns with broader modernization efforts at PIA following a major corporate restructuring. A business consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation acquired a 75 percent majority stake in the flag carrier in December 2025, formally assuming operational management in mid-2026 to overhaul fleet capacity and international operations.
