PIA plans to launch direct Maldives-Pakistan flights

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to launch direct flights between Maldives and Pakistan.

The South East Asian neighbors currently do not have direct flights between them.

On Wednesday, a delegation of lawmakers from the Maldives’ ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) – led by Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla – visited officials of the PIA at the airline’s head office in Islamabad.

During this meeting, PIA’s CEO Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Amir Hayat said the airline plans to launch direct flights to the Maldives once new aircraft are added to its fleet.

"Direct flights to Maldives will be started as soon as aircraft are added to PIA's fleet," said Hayat, according to a statement released by the PIA.

According to the PIA, the two sides discussed the launch of direct flight operations between Maldives and Pakistan, with the move expected to support tourism, trade and greater people-to-people contact.

Abdul Raheem 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," said Abdul Raheem, according to PIA.

PIA has been working to expand and modernize its fleet, since a consortium led by the Arif Habib Corporation acquired a 75 percent stake in PIA in December 2025, taking over formal management control in mid-2026.