Tajikistan’s Somon Air has commenced its flight operations to Pakistan on June 27, marking a significant step in enhancing trade and people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and the Central Asian states.
The inaugural flight of the private airline Somon Air carried 14 passengers from Dushanbe to Islamabad.
Somon Air’s first flight, SMR 129, received a traditional water cannon salute by the Civil Aviation Authority’s fire tenders upon its arrival at Islamabad International Airport at 11: 45 AM, according to state media APP.
The event also featured a cake-cutting ceremony attended by notable dignitaries, including Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, the Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan Yusuf Sharifzoda, and various officials from Shaheen Airport Services (SAPS) and Somon Air.
“The flight was handled by Shaheen Airport Services, a subsidiary of the Pakistan Air Force,” reported APP. The presence of high-ranking officials underscored the importance of this milestone in enhancing bilateral relations.
Governor Kundi and Ambassador Sharifzoda were among those who received the 14 passengers, highlighting the diplomatic significance of this new connection. SAPS Executive Director Air Commodore (Retd) Wasim Ahmed Khan, General Manager SAPS Islamabad Air Commodore (Retd) Shahid Nadeem, and the CEO of Somon Air expressed their satisfaction over this achievement.
Later that afternoon, the return flight, SMR-130, departed from Islamabad to Dushanbe with 52 passengers on board.
Initially, the flight will operate once a week, on Thursdays, using Boeing 737 aircraft. There are plans to increase the frequency of flights in the future to accommodate growing demand.
Flight Timings: Departure time from Dushanbe is 10:30, from Islamabad – 13:30 local time. Travel time is 2 hours.
Flights will be operated on Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737-900 aircraft.
Somon Air facilitates direct travel between Islamabad and Dushanbe
The launch of Somon Air’s flights is expected to facilitate direct travel between Islamabad and Dushanbe, significantly reducing travel time. This direct route will allow passengers to conveniently explore the cultural richness and marvels of both countries at an affordable price.
Additionally, this connectivity is poised to enhance trade, as seen earlier in April when Pakistan’s logistics and freight organization dispatched its first locally produced potato consignment to Tajikistan, opening new export opportunities for the country.
The historic event not only marked a new chapter in aviation but also strengthened the economic and cultural ties between Pakistan and Tajikistan, paving the way for a more connected and prosperous region.
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