Karachi–Malé Direct Flights to Begin Soon, Maldives President Announces

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the country’s national airline, Maldivian, plans to launch direct flights between Karachi and Malé in the near future to strengthen connectivity and boost trade and tourism between Pakistan and the Maldives.

Speaking at the Pakistan–Maldives Business Forum in Islamabad during his state visit to Pakistan in October 2026, President Muizzu said improved air links would facilitate travel and create new opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has separately directed civil aviation authorities to prepare a feasibility study for launching direct flights, including potential services operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) or other carriers.

The two sides also discussed strengthening maritime connectivity and agreed to work towards increasing bilateral trade from approximately $13 million to $200 million within the next two years.

President Muizzu’s visit marked the first visit by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in more than a decade. The visit also coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Maldives, highlighting efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation in aviation, trade, tourism and other sectors.