SWAT: People here have welcomed the reopening of Saidu Sharif Airport and resumption of flights and demanded that the fare should be subsidised for the residents of Swat.

They were talking to this correspondent after learning that Pakistan International Airlines has decided to operate ATR flights to Saidu Sharif Airport from Islamabad and Lahore, starting from March 26.

The Saidu Sharif Airport had been non-operational since 2004. The people, tour operators and civil society members have been demanding of the government to reopen it.

On March 20, the PIA announced resumption of flight operations to Saidu Sharif from March 26.

The tour operators said that a large number of tourists, especially Buddhists from abroad, wanted to visit their sacred sites in Swat and the resumption of flights would facilitate them.

“There are hundreds of archeological sites belonging to Buddhism. Swat is sacred for Buddhists and many of them wanted to come here,” said Azharuddin, a tour operator in Mingora.

Talking to this correspondent, he said that international tourism would be promoted with the resumption of flights to Swat. He said the mountainous region of Swat was famous for adventure tourism and many trekkers and hikers loved to visit the area for trekking in the mountains.

Swat Hotel Association president Zahid Khan said it was an encouraging move by the government and would boost tourism. “Resumption of flights will create livelihood opportunities in the district. With the airport becoming functional many taxi drivers and restaurant owners would earn livelihood,” he said.

However, some residents claimed that starting ATR flights to Swat might not be beneficial. “ATR accommodates about 40 passengers and the single flight to Swat from Lahore could incur losses to PIA,” said Afzal Shah, who is connected with travel agency business for the last 30 years.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2021