KARACHI: Sri Lanka’s FitsAir has officially entered Pakistan’s aviation market, launching its first direct flight between Colombo and Lahore, aviation officials confirmed.
The inaugural flight, 8D-981, touched down at Allama Iqbal International Airport on Saturday evening at 8:35 p.m., carrying 134 passengers and marking the airline’s debut in the country. The new route is expected to improve travel links and provide more convenient options between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Passengers were warmly welcomed upon arrival with flowers, while airport authorities organized a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion. The return flight, 8D-982, later departed for Colombo at 9:40 p.m. with 66 passengers on board.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have maintained strong diplomatic and economic relations since their early years of independence, collaborating in areas such as trade, defense, and regional cooperation. Pakistan was among the first nations to recognize Sri Lanka and has consistently supported it, including during challenging periods like its civil conflict.
Both countries are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and continue to align on regional stability and economic collaboration. Their partnership is further strengthened by a free trade agreement signed in 2005, promoting exchange in sectors like textiles, tea, rice, and pharmaceuticals.
In recent years, both nations have aimed to deepen ties in aviation, tourism, and education, with enhanced air connectivity playing a vital role in boosting business and people-to-people engagement between the two economies.