23 Feb 2019 , Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Al Ain International Airport (AAN), owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Airports, received Pakistan International Airlines’ inaugural flight from Peshawar International Airport on Friday 22 February at 10:35 local time (LT). Pakistan International Airlines commenced bi-weekly flights on Fridays and Sundays connecting Al Ain with Peshawar, Pakistan.

Al Ain International Airport (AAN), owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Airports, received Pakistan International Airlines’ inaugural flight from Peshawar International Airport on Friday 22 February at 10:35 local time (LT). Pakistan International Airlines commenced bi-weekly flights on Fridays and Sundays connecting Al Ain with Peshawar, Pakistan.

Al Ain International Airport, Abu Dhabi Airports’ second largest airport, welcomed the first flight from Peshawar with an honoury guard salute, in celebration of the new route to Pakistan from Al Ain, a major city in the UAE.

Maarten De Groof, Chief Commercial Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Pakistan has always been one of our largest and most significant areas of operations, and we are pleased to welcome these new bi-weekly flights carrying passengers to and from Al Ain and Peshawar.”

“This new addition further expands the network of Al Ain International Airport, providing our passengers with enhanced services and connectivity. We look forward to continuing to build new partnerships to meet the market’s growing demand,” added De Groof.

Pakistan International Airlines will operate the route using its Airbus 320-200 aircraft, which includes 8 Premium Economy seats and 150 Economy Class seats in its current configuration. On Fridays and Sundays, flights are scheduled to depart from Peshawar International Airport at 08:10 LT, arriving at Al Ain International Airport at 10:10 LT. Returning flights to Peshawar are scheduled to depart from Al Ain International Airport at 11:10 LT and arrive at Peshawar International Airport at 15:10 LT.

Speaking on the occasion, PIA's President & Chief Executive Officer Air Marshal Arshad Malik said: “PIA is in process of transformation and is striving to provide best in class services to its patron customers. The service elements also include providing convenient connectivity to its passengers and direct flights to cities in Gulf and KSA to all major destinations in Pakistan. Al-Ain is a strong market and there was a persistent demand by the local Pakistani diaspora to start direct flights between Al-Ain and Peshawar.”

“PIA is expanding its network and very soon new exciting destinations and additional frequencies on existing routes would be introduced further consolidating our network” added Malik.

ENDS