A historic moment when Azerbaijan's national flag carrier lands in Pakistani capital.
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has announced the successful arrival of Azerbaijan Airlines' inaugural flight at Islamabad International Airport on a Thursday morning.
These two nations, Pakistan and Azerbaijan, began fostering diplomatic ties in the wake of Azerbaijan's independence from the USSR on June 9, 1992. Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan's sovereignty, a distinction it shares with Turkey. Over the years, the partnership has flourished, leading to numerous summits aimed at enhancing bilateral trade.
Notably, the inaugural flight to Islamabad coincided with Pakistan's Army Chief, General Syed Asim Munir, visiting Azerbaijan on an official mission aimed at strengthening defense collaboration.
The event was marked by a traditional water cannon salute, where firefighters created an arch of water as the aircraft taxied through, symbolizing a warm reception. The welcome reception in the airport lounge was attended by several dignitaries, including Air Vice Marshal Taimur Iqbal, the Deputy Head of Mission from the Azerbaijan Embassy, the Airport Manager, and other prominent airport officials.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) is set to operate two weekly flights from Baku to Islamabad on Sundays and Wednesdays. Additionally, they have plans to operate two weekly flights to Lahore and Karachi.
This achievement follows AZAL's inaugural commercial flight to Pakistan, landing at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIAP) on September 23. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority expressed their well wishes for Azerbaijan Airlines' continued success in Pakistan and their commitment to strengthening the aviation ties between the two nations.
