- PIA is expanding its restored network of European destinations.
- The move comes from months after EASA has raised a 4.5 year ban on the airline.
- Only the Pakistani carrier currently operating direct flights to the EU.
Lahore: Pakistani can now take flights to Paris without worrying about a stopover while Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced the launch of a new direct route connecting Lahore to Paris.
In a press release published Thursday, the carrier of the national flag revealed that as part of an expansion of its network of European destinations restored following a prolonged suspension, the new road will offer weekly flights from Lahore to the French capital every Wednesday, The news reported.
“Lahore’s first flight to Paris will take off on June 18,” said the airline. “A weekly flight from Lahore to Paris will take off directly on Wednesday.”
Development comes from months after the airline resumed its operations in Europe in January, following the lifting of a four and a half year ban by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The prohibition was initially imposed in July 2020 after a false pilot license scandal was revealed, which prompted European regulators to restrict access to EU airspace.
The return of the PIA to the European sky began with a flight from Islamabad to Paris on January 10, marking an important step for the besieged carrier.
The airline is currently the only Pakistani carrier operating direct flights to and from the European Union. The resumption and expansion of roads to Europe are considered to be part of the wider efforts of the PIA to regain international credibility and influence the great Pakistani diaspora residing in European countries.
The new lane of Lahore-Paris should benefit travelers and leisure, as well as families looking for practical travel options between Pakistan and France.
PIA officials have hoped that the Lahore-Paris road would strengthen income and strengthen passenger confidence in the airline services. More details on ticket pricing and reservations should be published in the coming days.
The return of the airline in European destinations is also closely monitored by aviation experts who highlight the importance of sustained safety standards and operational transparency in the reconstruction of confidence between international partners and passengers.
