PIA Resumes Direct Flights to Paris After Four-Year Suspension

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed its direct flights to Paris as of January 10, 2025, after a four-year hiatus. The momentous occasion was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Islamabad International Airport, led by Federal Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif, accompanied by French Embassy officials. This marks a significant milestone in PIA’s efforts to revive its European operations and signals the end of the suspension that began in June 2020.

PIA’s first flight on the newly resumed route, PK-750, took off from Islamabad, fully booked with 323 passengers. The airline will operate two weekly flights between Islamabad and Paris, scheduled for Fridays and Sundays. Departing at 11:30 AM from Islamabad, the flight arrives in Paris at 4:00 PM local time. The return flight departs Paris at 6:00 PM, landing back in Islamabad at 5:00 AM the next day. The new schedule is designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers, offering convenience by allowing passengers to enjoy breakfast in Pakistan and lunch upon arrival in France.

The revival of the route follows the lifting of the ban imposed on PIA’s European operations after the tragic crash in Karachi in 2020 and concerns about pilot licensing. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted the ban late last year, enabling PIA to re-enter the European market. Minister Asif, reflecting on the golden era of PIA, emphasized the airline’s pivotal role in training foreign airlines and expressed hopes that PIA would regain its former glory, serving as an inspiration globally.

Federal Minister Asif also hinted at the possibility of direct flights to other destinations, including the UK and the USA, in the near future. He thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his efforts to lift the European ban and noted that many dedicated individuals had worked tirelessly to make this achievement possible.

PIA CEO Amir Hayat, Airport Manager Aftab Gilani, and other senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) were also present during the launch event. With the resumption of flights to Paris, PIA is optimistic about restoring its international reputation and expanding its European operations.

This marks a new chapter for Pakistan’s national carrier, which aims to regain the trust and loyalty of international travellers as it seeks to rebuild its legacy on the world stage.

Afsheen Gohar

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