Emirates (EK, Dubai International) is considering launching domestic flights within Pakistan on the back of the country's new aviation policy which enables reciprocal ninth freedom rights, the Pakistan Daily reports.
Emirates’ country manager for Pakistan, Jabr Al Azeeby, was quoted as saying, “There are talks on a government to government level and as soon as we get the go ahead, Emirates will start serving Pakistan’s domestic air passengers”. However, the carrier later denied the reports, saying Al Azeeby was misquoted by the press.
Pakistan unveiled a new National Aviation Policy in 2015, which is designed to create better business opportunities and enhance economic activity in the sector. It offers a bilateral Open Skies policy on a reciprocal basis to other countries, allowing a foreign company to operate domestic flights within Pakistan.
Emirates currently flies from Dubai International to Islamabad International, Karachi International, Lahore International, Multan, Peshawar, and Sialkot in Pakistan.
