Summary The launch is expected to enhance connectivity between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, offering additional travel options between the two countries.
KARACHI (Web Desk) - Sri Lankan carrier Fits Air has entered the Pakistan market with the launch of direct Colombo–Lahore flights, as its inaugural service landed in the eastern city on Saturday evening, aviation authorities said.
Flight 8D-981 landed at Allama Iqbal International Airport at 8:35 p.m. carrying 134 passengers, marking the airline’s entry into the Pakistani market.
The launch is expected to enhance connectivity between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, offering additional travel options between the two countries.
“Upon arrival, passengers were warmly received and presented with roses,” the Pakistan Airports Authority said in a statement.
A cake-cutting ceremony was held at the airport following the arrival. The airline’s inaugural outbound flight, 8D-982, later departed for Colombo at 9:40 p.m. with 66 passengers on board.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka share longstanding diplomatic and economic ties dating back to the early years after independence, with cooperation spanning trade, defense and regional diplomacy.
Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Sri Lanka and has remained a consistent partner, notably extending military and logistical support during Colombo’s civil war. Both countries are members of regional groupings such as the South
Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, where they have often aligned on issues related to regional stability and economic integration.
Economic relations have been underpinned by a bilateral free trade agreement signed in 2005, which has facilitated trade in textiles, tea, rice and pharmaceuticals, though volumes remain below potential. In recent years, both sides have sought to expand cooperation in aviation, tourism and education, with improved air connectivity seen as key to boosting people-to-people links and business travel between the two South Asian economies.
