KARACHI: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Sunday initiated a plan to operate direct flights from Karachi to Skardu. PIA Chief Operating Officer Arshad Malik directed Sales Manager to make arrangements for direct flights between the two cities, the private TV channel reported, quoting its sources.

The national carrier will operate Airbus 320 for the twice a week flights between both southern port city of Karachi and Gilgit Baltistan's Skardu city. It has been decided in case of bad weather the flights will be diverted to Islamabad International Airport. According to a PIA spokesperson, Gilgit Baltistan residents in Karachi will especially get facilities to avail the direct flight from Karachi to Skardu.