Pakistan and Maldives move towards launching direct flights

In a statement made on Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he had instructed the Ministry of Aviation to explore ways to establish direct flights between Pakistan and the Maldives, as the two countries had decided to improve air connectivity and bilateral trade.

Speaking at the Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum 2026, which was also attended by Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, PM Shehbaz said the president’s visit would mark a milestone in relations between the two nations.

“This is particularly because, above all, it will change the game for our bilateral trade and investment portfolios,” he said.

Addressing entrepreneurs, traders, businessmen and investors from both countries, PM Shehbaz said the decision to increase bilateral trade from $13 million to $200 million within the next two years presented a great opportunity that needed to be seized.

“My brother President Muizzu, upon my request, readily agreed to establish a solid understanding that our bilateral trade should increase from $13 million to $200 million in the next two years, and now it is all up to us to seize this opportunity,” he said.

He urged the business communities of both countries to prepare comprehensive plans to achieve the target through joint efforts and close coordination.

The prime minister said Pakistan would send a delegation comprising experienced exporters, relevant government ministers and officials to Malé after President Muizzu’s return to work towards expanding trade ties. He added that both countries would make further efforts to achieve the agreed target.

Highlighting the importance of connectivity, PM Shehbaz said there were currently no direct flights between Pakistan and the Maldives, making the establishment of an air link essential to strengthening bilateral relations.

“Connectivity is very important. We don’t have direct flights from Malé to Karachi or Islamabad, so this air link is extremely important,” he said.

The prime minister said he had directed the Ministry of Aviation to explore ways to launch flights between the two countries as soon as possible. He added that President Muizzu had also instructed his country’s airline to prepare a plan to launch flights to Pakistan.

“I have given instructions to the Civil Aviation Department to work out a plan whereby they can start these air flights between the two countries as early as possible,” the prime minister said.

Emphasising the importance of maritime connectivity, the prime minister said the two countries would find it difficult to achieve their trade targets efficiently without a direct shipping service between Karachi or Gwadar and Malé.

He thanked President Muizzu for visiting Pakistan, noting that it was the first visit by a Maldivian leader in 11 years. He also expressed hope for continued high-level engagement.

“I hope this will be your first visit amongst many in times to come, and I hope you can at least make two visits to Pakistan this year,” he concluded.