Indeed a good news for all tourists, that PIA is announced to operate direct flight from Karachi and Lahore to Skardu. The tentative date of flights resumption is 14 May but yet to be confirmed from competent authorities.
This year, it was requested by prime minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to PIA to start early direct flights to Skardu to promote tourism in the region. That was warmly accepted by PIA and announced to start direct flights soon.
The flight fare controversy is there, as PIA is charging 29,000 PKR per head to travel from Islamabad to Skardu. Which merely half a distance from Lahore to Karachi but the fare is double. Many social activists are raising this issue on social media platforms but nobody giving an ear on it. The monopoly of PIA must end which can only be possible by licencing other flight operators.