AirSial to launch 9 weekly flights to Dubai from Pakistan
Karachi-Dhaka direct flights also set to begin soon
DUBAI: AirSial, a private Pakistani airline, has unveiled its first international flight operations to Dubai, marking a major leap from its domestic services.
Starting from 2nd June, the airline will operate nine weekly flights to Dubai – seven from Islamabad and two from Lahore. This move signals the beginning of AirSial's global expansion efforts, which have long been anticipated by aviation watchers and frequent flyers alike.
The new flights are expected to offer a reliable and competitive alternative for passengers flying between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. Preparations for the launch have already been completed, and ticket bookings will soon be available through their official website and helpline (021-111-247-742).
Weekly schedule
As per the details released, Islamabad will serve as the airline’s main departure hub with a daily frequency except for Mondays. Lahore will contribute two flights a week, catering to the demand from the populous Punjab region. This schedule offers considerable flexibility and convenience, especially for those seeking regular travel to Dubai for work, tourism, or family visits.
The service is being welcomed by overseas Pakistanis and business travellers alike. With competitive fares, AirSial aims to challenge other regional carriers operating on the same route. The Sialkot-based airline’s entry is likely to bring down average ticket prices and stimulate the market, particularly in the budget travel segment.
Currently, AirSial operates domestic flights between major Pakistani cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Sialkot. The move to international operations positions the airline to better serve the growing number of Pakistani expatriates in the Middle East, especially in the UAE, where over 1.6 million Pakistanis reside.
Karachi to Dhaka
Alongside its Dubai launch, AirSial is poised to enter another key international market – Bangladesh. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has officially approved AirSial to operate direct flights between Karachi and Dhaka. This makes AirSial the second private Pakistani airline, after Fly Jinnah, to receive such clearance since Pakistan International Airlines ceased operations on the route in 2018.
CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan confirmed the authorisation and noted that a formal order would follow shortly. Once issued, AirSial will appoint a General Sales Agent (GSA) and apply for flight slots.
The upcoming Karachi-Dhaka route holds significance not only for travellers but also for business communities in both countries. According to the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), trade opportunities between Pakistan and Bangladesh have been limited due to the absence of direct air links and visa-related hurdles.
Trade and transit
The revived air corridor comes in the wake of improved relations between Islamabad and Dhaka, particularly after the political transition in Bangladesh following the fall of the Awami League government. Pakistani businesses are reportedly optimistic about expanding investments in Bangladesh, and direct flights could play a vital role in easing cross-border movement.
AirSial’s entry will also offer Bangladeshi travellers the opportunity to transit through Pakistan to other international destinations, including Middle Eastern hubs. With a growing fleet of six Airbus aircraft and operational experience since 2015, the Sialkot-based airline is positioning itself as a serious contender in South Asia’s evolving aviation landscape.
Meanwhile, Fly Jinnah, which received approval earlier this year, is still in the process of expanding its fleet before commencing flights on the Karachi-Dhaka route. If timelines remain on track, AirSial could potentially begin its Dhaka operations within the next two months, as hinted by Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Md. Iqbal Hussain.