SIALKOT, Oct 18: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is starting direct passenger flights from Sialkot to Abu Dhabi, Doha and Muscat from Oct 26. The Oman Air is also starting its direct flight from Muscat to Sialkot on the same day.

Dr. Sarfraz Bashir, who is senior vice-chairman of the Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL), disclosed this while talking to reporters here on Saturday.

He said that a launching ceremony of these flights jointly organized by SIAL, PIA and Oman Air would be held at the airport on Oct 26 and all arrangements in this connection had been finalised.

Dr. Bashir said that the SIAL management in collaboration with Chinese and Japanese business communities had also decided to establish new industries in airport’s vicinity.

He said that the federal government had approved a special grant of Rs180 million from Export Development Fund to set up a cargo terminal at the airport and its construction would start soon.