Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to resume direct flights to Paris starting Friday, January 10, following the European Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) decision to lift a four-year ban. PIA will operate two weekly flights on the Islamabad-Paris route.
Convenient Flight Schedule
PIA spokesperson announced that the flight schedule is designed for passengers’ convenience. Flights from Islamabad will depart at 11:30 am and arrive in Paris at 4:00 pm. The return flight from Paris will leave at 6:00 pm and reach Islamabad at 5:00 am.
Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, PIA acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Khurram Mushtaq, and the Secretary of Aviation will attend a send-off ceremony at Islamabad airport to mark the inaugural flight. The PIA CEO confirmed that passengers on the first flight will also be welcomed upon arrival at Paris airport.
Rebuilding European and Global Operations
Before the ban, PIA operated flights to European cities, including Barcelona, Birmingham, Bradford, and London. The airline is now planning to reintroduce services to Copenhagen, Oslo, and Amsterdam as part of its broader strategy to rebuild its European network.
PIA also intends to resume flights to New York, pending approval from U.S. authorities. To support these ambitious plans, six Boeing 777 aircraft have been allocated for operations to Europe, the UK, and the U.S., signaling a commitment to expanding its global network.
A Milestone for Pakistan’s Aviation Sector
The EASA’s decision to lift the ban marks a significant milestone for Pakistan’s aviation sector. The suspension, which began in 2020 due to safety concerns, had severely impacted PIA’s international operations. Improved safety conditions and operational standards have now paved the way for the national carrier’s resurgence in global aviation.