ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has decided to restart direct flights to the UK from August 14, marking a significant milestone after a four-year hiatus.
The announcement brings relief to Pakistani residents in the UK and Europe, offering them convenient and direct links to their home country.
A PIA spokesperson hoped that the national flag carrier would get phase-wise phased approval from the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) this month. During a recent meeting with the Council of Economics and Energy Journalists, the spokesperson outlined the airline’s expansion plans.
Upon receiving approval, PIA plans to resume services to Paris next month. The airline has accelerated repair work on its 777 aircraft fleet to ensure compliance with safety standards and operational readiness for European and UK routes.
PIA currently operates seven 777 aircraft, with two more expected to join the fleet within the next two months.
The airline holds air service agreements with 97 countries, facilitating seamless travel and trade connections globally.
In related developments, a meeting of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s review board to discuss lifting the ban on European flights of Pakistani airlines, including PIA, is scheduled for May 14. A high-level delegation, led by the aviation secretary, will attend the meeting in Brussels. Reports on audits of civil aviation sectors and PIA will be presented.
The Civil Aviation Authority has recently passed the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Universal Aviation Security Audit and achieved success in key areas assessed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Aviation sources indicate promising prospects for the ban on Pakistani airlines being lifted.
