PIA Restores Flights to Manchester and Paris After EU Ban Lifted

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced its plan to resume flights to Europe starting in January, with Paris being the first destination on its itinerary.

This comes after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted a long-standing ban on the national flag carrier. The airline is set to offer its inaugural flight to Paris on January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed the approval of the airline’s first flight schedule, marking a significant step in its recovery. The ban had previously cost PIA an estimated Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, further deepening its financial challenges.

Following the restoration of its European routes, PIA is now turning its attention to the United Kingdom. Khan revealed that the airline would soon approach the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) for approval to resume flights to key British cities, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

These routes are expected to be in high demand once the necessary clearances are granted. The lifting of the EU ban is seen as a major milestone for PIA as it works towards revitalizing its international network and restoring its position in the global aviation market.

With European and UK routes back on the horizon, PIA is aiming to regain lost ground and boost its financial performance moving forward.