Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has made significant strides in reviving its international operations, successfully restoring eight international routes over the past six months. The Aviation Ministry, in a briefing to the National Assembly, detailed these efforts, highlighting PIA’s commitment to regaining its global reach and improving connectivity for passengers.
Among the newly restored routes, the Islamabad to Paris flight stands out, resuming operations after a long hiatus of four years and five months. This is the major achievement of PIA, keeping in view that flights to the EU are under restrictions because of various regulatory measures. The airline is operating this route with Boeing 777 aircraft, and it is highly suitable for passengers to enjoy a comfortable journey.
The airline has also revived regional connectivity, with routes such as Turbat to Sharjah and Al Ain being reinstated after four and five months, respectively. These routes are being serviced by ATR aircraft, which are well-suited for short-haul international travel. Similarly, the Gwadar to Muscat route, crucial for travelers from Balochistan, was restored after 13 months, also using ATR aircraft.
In a major boost for religious travel, PIA has resumed flights from Quetta to Jeddah, a route that had been halted for over three years. Faisalabad, an important industrial hub, now once again has direct flights to Jeddah and Madinah, providing convenience to travelers heading for Hajj and Umrah. These routes, which were on hold for three years and four months, are now operated using Airbus A320 aircraft.
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Additionally, Lahore has regained direct connectivity with Kuwait, a vital route for both business and expatriate travelers. This route had been inactive for seven months but has now resumed operations with Airbus A320 aircraft.
The Aviation Ministry noted that the suspension of several routes had primarily been due to a shortage of aircraft. However, the restoration of the Islamabad-Paris route is particularly noteworthy, as it had been impacted by European Union restrictions.
Looking ahead, Pakistan’s national carrier is planning an even greater expansion. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently announced that direct flights to the United Kingdom will resume by February 2025. PIA also has ambitious plans to launch flights to 19 European destinations, including Barcelona and Milan, as well as future operations to the United States and Canada.
These positive developments not only signal PIA’s resurgence but also enhance its appeal for privatization. By restoring key routes and improving its global network, PIA is working towards regaining its reputation and providing better services for passengers worldwide.