PIA resumes flights to Paris today following four-year hiatus
- PIA resumed direct flights from Islamabad to Paris after a four-and-a-half-year hiatus, now operating twice a week.
- The inaugural flight was attended by various high-ranking officials and celebrated with thematic decorations on the aircraft.
- The airline expects strong demand for this route, responding to community needs and enhancing travel options.
On January 10, 2025, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) officially resumed its direct flights to Paris after a four-and-a-half-year suspension. The inaugural flight, PK-749, departed from Islamabad International Airport at 12:10 pm on a Boeing 777, accommodating 330 passengers and 14 crew members. The ceremony was attended by several high-profile officials, including Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and PIA CEO Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat, marking a significant comeback for the airline's operations to Europe. The resumption of these flights follows the recent lifting of the European Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) ban on Pakistani airlines. This ban had severely restricted the ability of PIA and other airlines from Pakistan to operate within European Union countries for over four years. With the lifting of the ban, PIA is now able to reconnect with international markets, which maintains a long-standing demand from the Pakistani community in France as well as facilitating trade and tourism. Furthermore, PIA's spokesperson noted the enthusiastic response from passengers, showcasing full bookings for the first two flights scheduled on Fridays and Sundays. In celebration of the relaunch, PIA has uniquely decorated the aircraft, featuring a model of the Eiffel Tower on the tail and the slogan "I Love Paris" on the nose. This branding aims to enhance the visibility of the airline’s connection to Paris, enticing potential travelers. In addition, PIA has implemented a new wireless in-flight entertainment system, allowing passengers to enjoy entertainment on their own devices during the flight. With its resumption of services to Paris, PIA has also partnered with Air France to provide connections to 21 other European and UK destinations via Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers. This development comes amid PIA’s broader strategy to rejuvenate its fleet and improve operational effectiveness. The airline has recently reintroduced an ATR aircraft, which had been in long-term storage, strengthening its domestic operations, particularly on critical routes. By focusing on improving punctuality, PIA aims to achieve an ambitious target of 90 percent on-time performance—a goal its spokesperson claims the airline meets daily. The overall outlook for PIA is optimistic as it anticipates robust demand for its newly restored route to Paris in the long term, signifying the airline's dedication to enhancing connectivity for its passengers both domestically and internationally.