Key Takeaways
- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Afghanistan’s Kam Air have partnered to create a transit route via Islamabad.
- The agreement allows Afghan passengers to connect with Middle Eastern destinations without the need for separate tickets.
- The first route connects Kabul to Islamabad and then to Dammam, serving Afghan diaspora workers and religious travellers.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Afghanistan’s Kam Air have entered into an interline cooperation agreement, establishing a streamlined transit route connecting Afghanistan to key destinations across the Middle East via Islamabad. This partnership aims to enhance regional connectivity for Afghan travellers and utilise Islamabad as an operational air transit hub.
According to Abdullah Hafeez Khan, spokesperson at PIA, the agreement provides a seamless travel experience for Afghan passengers. Under the arrangement, passengers can book their complete journey on a single reservation, avoiding the need to purchase separate tickets for each leg of their trip.
Furthermore, checked baggage will be transferred directly from Kabul to the connecting PIA flight at Islamabad International Airport, eliminating the need for passengers to collect and recheck their bags during transit. This feature is particularly beneficial for those heading to Gulf destinations, as it allows them to bypass immigration clearance in Pakistan, provided they remain airside during transit.
The first route under the cooperation is the Kabul-Islamabad-Dammam route, which serves Afghan travellers and diaspora workers heading to eastern Saudi Arabia. The airlines plan to expand the arrangement in a second phase to other high-demand destinations across the Gulf, including Madinah, Muscat, and Al Ain, catering to religious travellers, workers, and business passengers.
Hafeez Khan stated, 'This partnership expands regional connectivity for Afghan travellers while utilising Islamabad as an operational air transit hub for South and West Asia.' The agreement is expected to benefit both airlines and passengers by simplifying travel processes and enhancing the overall travel experience.
The new transit route is designed to cater to the needs of various traveller segments, including religious pilgrims, workers, and business passengers. By connecting Afghanistan to key destinations in the Middle East, the partnership aims to boost regional travel and economic ties.
PIA and Kam Air are optimistic about the potential of this partnership, with plans to expand the arrangement to other high-demand destinations in the Gulf. The airlines believe that this interline cooperation will not only enhance regional connectivity but also provide a convenient travel option for Afghan passengers.
This interline cooperation between Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Afghanistan’s Kam Air establishes a streamlined transit route connecting Afghanistan to key destinations across the Middle East via Islamabad.
Abdullah Hafeez Khan, Spokesperson at PIA
