Airblue has commenced direct flights between Lahore and Baku, becoming the second Pakistani airline to serve this route after Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL). This development reflects growing connectivity and cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Qasim Mohiuddin, highlighted that the new service marks a significant advancement in strengthening the longstanding fraternal relations between the two nations. He emphasized that close collaboration at the leadership level has yielded tangible and positive outcomes over the past year.
Notably, Pakistan is also participating in the International Carpet Festival held in Icherisheher, an initiative that further deepens cultural and diplomatic ties between the countries. The ambassador described the launch of Airblue’s flights as a clear indicator of the robust relationship shared by Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
Earlier, on April 20, 2025, PIA inaugurated its direct Lahore-Baku flights as part of its strategy to enhance international connectivity and promote tourism. This followed a June 16, 2023 agreement between Pakistan and Azerbaijan to initiate flights between Islamabad and Baku, reached during a meeting in Baku between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.
At a joint press conference after their meeting, both leaders confirmed their commitment to establishing direct air links. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Azerbaijan Airlines’ plans to begin operations to Islamabad and invited Azerbaijan’s aviation minister to explore the possibility of launching flights between Baku and Karachi to further boost bilateral tourism.
The prime minister also praised President Aliyev’s leadership in developing Azerbaijan’s infrastructure and horticulture, noting the impressive cleanliness and beauty of Baku. He requested Azerbaijan’s support by lending experts to assist Islamabad in similar urban development efforts.
