ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed direct flights to Iran after a five-year hiatus.

According to reports, the resumption of direct flights will strengthen people-to-people ties and boost the tourism industry. The first PIA flight PK-119 departed from Lahore to Mashhad, Iran, with 165 passengers on board on Wednesday night.

The reports quoting PIA spokesperson Abdullah Khan said direct flights from Karachi to Mashhad will start on Saturday. The resumption of direct flights operation will provide direct and easy travel facilities to the people willing to travel to Iran from Pakistan.

PIA will remain at the forefront to ensure pilgrims can visit the Holy places in Iran with ease. Meanwhile, in a tweet, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Mohammad Ali Hosseini said the two countries have agreed to promote air cooperation.