ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is bringing back its iconic Air-Safari flight services to take you atop the snowcapped peaks in the northern parts of the South Asian country.
The Air Safari trip will let the travelers have a bird’s eye view of majestic peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Deosai Plains, , the world famous Concordia, Baltoro glacier, Tarango Towers and other Northern areas from the comfort of B737 Aircraft. The flight originates from Islamabad and returns back to Islamabad after 01-40 mints.PIA is the first airline in the world to start Air Safari with jet aircraft.
The service was pretty popular in the mid-2000s as it attracted a lot of tourists to Pakistan’s Northern areas. However, it was hit by a decline due to the bitter law and order situation that progressively got worse. PIA then halted the service due to low demand as the number of tourists decreased significantly.
In 2011, the Air Safari service was brought back, however, its operations were stopped yet again due to the less than stellar demand.
Back in 2007, the flight to the northern areas cost Rs. 7000. This time, the airline is yet to announce how much it will charge for the safari flights.
The flights will start on July 16 and PIA will become the first airline in the world to launch Air Safari services with jet aircraft
“The wait is over!! This summer, PIA Air Safari is taking you on a trip of a lifetime, where you will see the majestic K2 and mesmerizing Nanga Parbat!! Don’t miss out a chance to see the top of the world. ” reads the airline’s official tweet.
Boarding the Air Safari, tourists will be able to fly through the clouds and witness the veiled splendors of Pakistan’s northern paradise from a bird’s eye view.