RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) officially announced on Sunday that direct flights from Lahore to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, will start from April 20.

Initially, the airline will operate two weekly flights leaving every Sunday and WednesdayfromLahore, a spokesman for the national flag carrier said on Sunday.

He said the move is aimed at strengthening tourism and trade relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

To mark the launching of this new route, PIA organised a special event in Karachi in honour of travel agents and tour operators to share detailed information about the new service and promote it within the travelindustry.

On the occasion, travel agents were briefed about the flight schedule, facilities offered on the route and the strategic significance of Baku as a destination.

The PIA spokesman highlighted the key role of travel agents in ensuring the Baku route success.