Faisal Niaz Tirmizi (fifth from R), Elena Sorlini and other dignitaries during a ceremony at Al Ain Airport on Wednesday.

Mian Mujahid Shah, Gulf Today

Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United Arab Emirates, on Wednesday stressed the need to enhance the number of flights between Al Ain Airport and Pakistani major cities, especially Peshawar.

He said this on the sidelines of meeting with CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports Elena Sorlini at Al Ain Airport during a ceremony where the launch of PIA’s flight from Al Ain to Turbat, Balochistan, was also announced.

“With the launch of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Al Ain Airport to Turbat, Balochistan, we see tremendous potential for further collaboration. In addition to three weekly flights by PIA from Al Ain Airport to Pakistan (two to Islamabad and one to Turbat), we feel that there is a need to enhance the number of flights by including other destinations, especially Peshawar and other major cities,” the ambassador emphasised.

Ambassador Tirmizi highlighted that Pakistan’s strategic location between South Asia and the Middle East offered vast opportunities, especially in tourism for Emiratis and other nationals residing in the UAE.

Faisal Tirmizi presents a book to Elena Sorlini during the ceremony.

“We are committed to expanding flight connectivity from Al Ain airport to other cities in Pakistan and appreciate the CEO’s offer of assistance in this endeavour,” the ambassador added.

Elena Sorlini, CEO Abu Dhabi Airports, thanked Pakistani Ambassador Faisal Tirmizi and his team for attending the event held to promote flight operations from Al Ain Airport and offered her fullest support in increasing the number of flights from Al Ain Airport to various cities in Pakistan.

The meeting was also attended by Sultan Al Dhaheri – Senior Vice President Government Relations, Sharifa Al Kathiri – Head of Retail Services and Mahwish Khan – Senior Manager Aviation Development, Abu Dhabi. Tariq Gulzar, Area Manager PIA, and other senior officials from both sides were also present during the meeting.