Emirates celebrated a remarkable milestone as it completed 25 years of successful operations in Peshawar, the sixth largest city in Pakistan.
Since its inaugural flight on July 14, 1998, Emirates has transported over 1.8 million passengers between Dubai and Peshawar, as well as carried more than 25,000 tonnes of cargo, facilitating travel and trade by supporting the export of various commodities.
Emirates made history in 1998 with its first landing at Bacha Khan International Airport, making Peshawar its second destination in Pakistan. Since then, the airline has consistently provided seamless travel connections between Peshawar and its extensive network, including its hub city of Dubai.
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Presently, Emirates operates five weekly flights from Peshawar, utilizing the Boeing 777-300ER wide-body aircraft, which can accommodate up to 428 passengers and carry 20 tonnes of cargo in the bellyhold.
Among passengers traveling to and from Peshawar, Jeddah has emerged as the most popular destination. Additionally, travel for Hajj and Umrah to Medina has been frequent over the years.
Leisure travelers and students pursuing higher education abroad favor destinations such as the UK (Manchester, London, and Birmingham), Turkey, Germany, and France. Business and corporate travelers often choose popular points in China, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Key destinations and points of origin in the Middle East include Dammam, Kuwait City, Baghdad, Tehran, Doha, and Istanbul. The top destinations for Peshawar travelers also include the United States, Canada, South Africa, and Egypt.
On the momentous occasion of Emirates’ 25th anniversary in Peshawar, Mohammed Alhashmi, Emirates’ Vice President for Pakistan, expressed his appreciation, stating, “As one of the longest-serving international carriers in Peshawar, Emirates has consistently strived to provide exceptional services, unmatched connectivity, and a seamless travel experience for our esteemed passengers. Over the past 25 years, Emirates has witnessed remarkable growth and has become a trusted and preferred airline for both business and leisure travelers. We take immense pride in our role as a catalyst for economic growth, tourism, and cultural exchange, and we look forward to further strengthening our relationship with the wonderful people of Peshawar. We would also like to express our gratitude to all our partners and key stakeholders for their unwavering support, which has made our successful operations possible.”
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Since the inception of operations, Emirates’ aircraft have traveled a total distance of 13.8 million kilometers to and from Peshawar, equivalent to circumnavigating the globe approximately 370 times. During this period, Emirates operated close to 7,500 flights to and from the city.
Promoting Trade and Relations with the UAE:
Emirates has played a significant role in facilitating trade between Peshawar and the rest of the world, thereby supporting local industries and businesses. Through its extensive cargo network and state-of-the-art facilities, Emirates SkyCargo has been instrumental in enabling the seamless transportation of goods, promoting export opportunities, and driving economic development in Pakistan.
Peshawar has emerged as an important cargo destination, with Emirates recording over 25,000 tonnes of cargo carriage in the last 25 years. Notable exports during this period include perishable items like fruits, vegetables, chilled meat, spices, textiles, and garments, while imports comprise medical equipment, pharmaceutical products, mobile phones, personal effects, and household goods.
The UAE and Pakistan share a longstanding relationship that dates back to the UAE’s formation in 1971. The UAE stands as Pakistan’s second largest trading partner, and the Pakistani community constitutes over 12.5 per cent of the UAE’s population (1.3 million), making them the second-largest national group in the UAE. A significant number of UAE residents originally hail from Peshawar, further strengthening the bond between the two nations.
Continued Commitment to Peshawar and Pakistan:
Emirates remains dedicated to providing Peshawar with its world-class services, comfort, and connectivity. As the airline marks this significant milestone, it continues to prioritize the city, its people, and the facilitation of trade.
Emirates’ partnership with Pakistan began almost 38 years ago, with its inaugural flight landing in Karachi on October 25, 1985. Since then, this historic alliance has thrived, with Emirates currently operating over 50 weekly flights to five Pakistani cities, including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Sialkot, all of which remain integral parts of the airline’s network.
Passengers flying with Emirates can indulge in an exceptional in-flight experience, including regionally-inspired multi-course menus crafted by award-winning chefs and a wide selection of premium beverages.
With over 6,500 channels of carefully curated global entertainment content available on Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice, travelers can relax and enjoy movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, games, audiobooks, and more. Regional content in languages such as Urdu, Pashto, and Punjabi is also available to keep passengers entertained throughout their journey.
