LAHORE: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the launch of direct flights from Lahore to Baku, Azerbaijan, marking a significant step toward enhancing connectivity between the two nations.
According to the airline, PIA will operate two weekly flights on this route—departing every Saturday and Wednesday—to facilitate travel and strengthen bilateral tourism and trade ties. The move comes shortly after PIA launched similar direct flights from Karachi to Baku earlier this month.
To promote the new route, PIA hosted a special event for travel agents and tour operators in Lahore, where they were briefed on flight schedules, ticketing options, and the potential economic benefits of increased connectivity with Azerbaijan.
“This new air link between Lahore and Baku is a step forward in deepening our ties with Azerbaijan,” a PIA spokesperson said. “We are committed to providing convenient and comfortable travel options for passengers while also supporting regional tourism and business exchanges.”
Azerbaijan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has granted approval for PIA to operate these flights, with the first Lahore-Baku flight scheduled for March 19, following the Karachi-Baku launch on March 16.
Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, has rapidly gained popularity among Pakistani tourists, thanks to its vibrant culture, scenic architecture, and welcoming visa policies. Key attractions include the UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher), the striking Flame Towers, and the Caspian Sea Boulevard.
Pakistani travelers can now apply for Azerbaijani tourist visas online, as part of the country’s e-visa initiative for select nations, including Pakistan.
The new Lahore-Baku flight route is expected to contribute to growing tourism demand while opening new doors for investment and trade opportunities between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
