• Pia is expanding its restored network of European destinations.
• Moving comes months after EASA lifts a 4.5-year ban on airline.
• Only Pakistani carrier currently operating direct aircraft from the EU.
  

Lahore: Pakistanis can now take flights to Paris without worrying about a Layover, as Pakistan International Airlines (Pia) has announced the launch of a new direct flight route connecting Lahore to Paris.

In a statement issued on Thursday, National Flag Carrier revealed that the new route as part of an extension of the restored network of European destinations after a prolonged suspension will offer weekly non-stop aircraft from Lahore to the French capital every Wednesday, The news reported.

“Pia’s first flight from Lahore to Paris leaves on June 18,” the airline said. “A weekly flight from Lahore to Paris takes direct from Wednesday.”

Developments come months after the airline resumed its activities in Europe in January after the abolition of a four and a half years ban from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The ban was initially introduced in July 2020 after a false pilot license scandal emerged, causing European regulators to limit the PIA access to the EU air room.

Pia’s return to European sky began with a flight from Islamabad to Paris on January 10, marking a significant milestone for the Embated carrier.

The airline is currently the only Pakistani carrier that drives direct aircraft to and from the European Union. Resumption and expansion of routes to Europe is seen as part of Pia’s broader efforts to regain international credibility and influence the large Pakistani diaspora resident in European countries.

The new Lahore-Paris route is expected to benefit both business and leisure travelers as well as families seeking practical travel opportunities between Pakistan and France.

Pia officials have hoped that the Lahore-Paris route would strengthen revenue and improve the passenger’s confidence in the airline’s services. Further details of ticket prices and reservations are expected to be released in the coming days.

The airline’s return to European destinations is also closely monitored by aviation experts who emphasize the importance of sustained security standards and operational transparency in reconstruction of trust among international partners and passengers.