PIA resumes flights to Europe after four years

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national carrier, PIA, has resumed its flights to Europe after more than four years of hiatus.
The first flight took off for Paris on Friday.
PIA’s authorisation to operate in Europe was suspended in June 2020 over concerns over the ability of Pakistani authorities and its Civil Aviation Authority to ensure compliance with international aviation standards.
The flight took off from Islamabad around 12:40pm, becoming the only carrier to offer a direct route to and from the European Union.
Minister for Aviation, Defence and Defence Production Khawaja Asif on Friday said that the resumption of direct PIA flights to Paris and other European destinations is the result of untiring efforts of the government for the past three years.
Inaugurating the resumption of PIA flights to Paris at Islamabad International Airport, the minister said that the restoration of flights to Europe will significantly increase the revenue of PIA, said a press release.
The minister expressed confidence in PIA’s ability to regain its foothold in the European aviation market and reiterated the government’s support.
He emphasised the vital role of direct air connectivity in strengthening bilateral ties, fostering tourism, enhancing trade, and bringing people closer.
Khawaja Asif commended PIA’s management for their efforts in achieving this milestone and highlighted the strategic importance of restoring operations to Paris and the EU.
He also extended his best wishes to the passengers of the inaugural flight.
This significant milestone marks PIA’s renewed presence in one of the most important international aviation markets.