Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) achieved a major milestone by resuming its flight operations to Europe after 4.5 years. The first direct flight, PK-749, carrying 323 passengers, departed from Islamabad to Paris. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif bid farewell to the passengers.
PIA will now operate two weekly direct flights to Paris. An inauguration ceremony was held at Islamabad International Airport, attended by Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif, the Secretary of Aviation, DG CAA, and PIA CEO Amir Hayat. The minister, alongside French Embassy staff, cut the ceremonial ribbon.
In his speech, Khawaja Asif reflected on PIA’s glorious past, noting that it was once a leading airline and played a role in establishing other carriers. He criticized past decisions that led to the airline’s decline, calling the resumption of Paris flights a historic day. He also announced plans to restart direct flights to the UK and the USA in the near future, expressing confidence in PIA regaining its lost prestige.
Sources revealed that all seats on the inaugural Paris flight were sold out, with 323 passengers onboard. Similarly, tickets for next week’s flights have also been fully booked. It is worth noting that PIA’s flights to Europe were suspended in 2020 due to a pilot licensing controversy.
