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PIA resumes flights to Ras Al Khaimah after 18 years

The restored route strengthens ties with the Pakistani diaspora and gives RAKTDA a direct link that bypasses Dubai and Abu Dhabi connections.

Inside RAK Desk Published 06 Sept 2026 3 min read Share LinkedIn
Photo: Arab News PK

What happened

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed its flight services to Ras Al Khaimah, ending an 18-year absence from the emirate's airport. The move is expected to significantly boost passenger traffic and facilitate easier travel for the large Pakistani diaspora and business community.

The resumption of these flights is a strategic win for the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), as improved air connectivity is essential for sustaining the record-breaking visitor numbers the emirate has seen in recent months.

By reopening this corridor, RAK is strengthening its ties with one of its most important source markets. The flights are expected to drive both leisure tourism and business travel, providing a direct link that bypasses the need for connecting flights through Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

This development aligns with RAK's broader strategy to diversify its international arrivals and reduce reliance on a few key markets. The return of a national carrier like PIA signals growing confidence in RAK as a standalone destination with the infrastructure to support increased international capacity.

Frequently asked

What is the main update in PIA resumes flights to Ras Al Khaimah after 18 years?

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed its flight services to Ras Al Khaimah, ending an 18-year….

Why does this matter for Ras Al Khaimah?

It strengthens RAK’s tourism appeal, supports hotel occupancy and drives visitor spending across the emirate.

What should investors and residents watch next?

Track related policy announcements, project milestones and follow-up deals that build on this update.

Sources & attribution
Every factual claim above traces to one of the following. Where a figure is an InsideRAK calculation, it is marked as such.
Source Arab News PK — original reporting 2026-09-06

InsideRAK is an independent publisher and is not affiliated with any Ras Al Khaimah government body. This report was compiled from the sources above and verified against published records. Spot an error? corrections@insiderak.com

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