A Major Comeback for Pakistan’s National Airline
After years of setbacks, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is making a strong comeback by restoring eight international routes in the past six months. The Aviation Ministry provided these updates to the National Assembly, signaling the airline’s commitment to expanding its global footprint.
List of Revived International Routes
Among the resumed routes are key destinations catering to Pakistani travelers worldwide:
🛫 Islamabad to Paris – Operational again after 4.5 years, using Boeing 777.
🛫 Turbat to Sharjah & Al Ain – Restarted after 4-5 months, with ATR aircraft.
🛫 Gwadar to Muscat – Flights resumed after 13 months, served by ATR aircraft.
🛫 Quetta to Jeddah – Reinstated after 3 years and 4 months, using ATR aircraft.
🛫 Faisalabad to Jeddah & Madinah – Operational after 3 years, with Airbus A320.
🛫 Lahore to Kuwait – Back in action after 7 months, with Airbus A320 flights.
Addressing Past Challenges and Restrictions
Many of these routes were suspended due to aircraft shortages, while Islamabad-Paris flights were affected by EU-imposed restrictions. With these obstacles now being resolved, PIA is moving ahead with a focused revival strategy.
What’s Next for PIA? UK, Europe, and North America on the Horizon
Looking forward, PIA is set to resume direct flights to the UK by February 2025. The airline is also finalizing plans for flights to 19 European destinations, including Barcelona and Milan. Additionally, PIA intends to expand its reach to the United States and Canada, making it a key player in international aviation once again.
