Pakistan and Turkmenistan are considering the resumption of direct cargo and commercial flights between Islamabad and Ashgabat, a move that could provide businesses with another transportation option for trade and commercial activities.
The proposed air connection comes as bilateral trade between the two countries remains relatively limited despite their geographical proximity and shared interest in improving economic ties with Central Asia.
Under the proposal, direct flights could help strengthen connectivity between Pakistan and Turkmenistan while creating an additional channel for the movement of passengers, goods and business services.
Official trade figures show that Pakistan exported goods worth approximately $1.18 million to Turkmenistan during fiscal year 2025-26, while imports from the Central Asian country stood at around $5.87 million.
The combined value of bilateral trade was therefore approximately $7.05 million during the fiscal year.
The relatively small trade volume has prompted discussions about improving connectivity and identifying new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Sabz Ali Khan, Director at the Directorate General of Trade Organization, said better air connectivity could provide an additional route for moving people and goods while supporting stronger commercial links between Pakistan and Central Asia.
Direct flights could be particularly useful for business travelers and companies dealing with products that require faster transportation. Air cargo can also provide an alternative when land-based routes face delays or operational difficulties.
Road and rail connections remain important for regional trade, but traders have increasingly raised concerns about reliability and logistical challenges affecting some overland routes.
An air connection between Islamabad and Ashgabat could therefore complement existing road and rail networks rather than replace them.
The proposal also comes as Pakistan continues to explore ways to expand its economic engagement with Central Asian states. Improved connectivity is considered an important component of efforts to increase trade, investment and business-to-business contacts.
Turkmenistan occupies a strategically important position in Central Asia and has links to regional energy, transportation and trade networks. Pakistan has also expressed interest in strengthening commercial relations with Central Asian markets.
For Pakistani exporters, improved access to Turkmenistan could potentially create opportunities in sectors where Pakistani products are competitive. Likewise, businesses in Pakistan could gain easier access to Turkmen goods and regional markets through improved transportation links.
The proposed flights could also make business travel between the two countries more convenient. Direct air connectivity generally reduces the need for travelers to rely on connecting routes through third countries.
However, the proposal remains under consideration, and details regarding airlines, flight schedules, cargo capacity and the possible launch date have yet to be finalized.
Any resumption of direct flights would require coordination between aviation authorities and relevant stakeholders in both countries.
For now, discussions over Islamabad-Ashgabat air connectivity represent another step in efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s trade and economic links with Turkmenistan and the wider Central Asian region.
As negotiations continue, businesses and traders will be watching for further details about the proposed air route and whether it can contribute to higher bilateral trade volumes in the future.
