Dhaka: Pakistani flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines is starting direct weekly flights to Baku from Karachi and Lahore, from March 16.

The move aims to meet a longstanding demand of citizens of both countries, particularly Pakistanis residing in the Azeri capital. Due to this new development, Pakistanis will be able to travel to the popular tourist destination directly from Karachi and Lahore, both of which currently require a lengthy layover to reach.

The flights begin from Karachi on Wednesday, March 16 and are to be served by the airline's A320's.

Passengers to Baku will depart Jinnah International Airport (KHI) at 5:00 PM to arrive at Baku's Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) at 20:30. The return flight will leave Baku at 22:30 on Wednesdays and arrive back in Karachi the following morning at 2:55.

Those wishing to travel from Lahore will see their weekly service depart from Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) at 10:00 and arrive in Baku at 12:25.

The airline announced weekly flights from Lahore to Baku in March last year, citing Baku as one of the hottest destinations for tourism and business in recent years. The route only lasted temporarily, however, and the last scheduled flight was on July 16.

Incoming Pakistani visitors arriving in Baku will now also have access to the e-visa system. Khazar Farhadov, The Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, announced earlier in February. The change will seek to offer visitors, family, and returning workers a streamlined entry process to the bustling port on the Caspian Sea.