Islamabad, Aug 13, 2025: Pakistan International Airlines is gearing up to launch direct flights to Barcelona and Milan as part of its post-European operations revival, following directives from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. The move comes after the airline successfully regained clearance to operate in European airspace, marking a major milestone in its global expansion.
Boosting European Network
With flight routes to Europe back on track, Pakistan International Airlines is actively expanding its destination map to meet the growing travel demand. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif specifically urged the carrier to prioritise Barcelona and Milan, both cities with significant overseas Pakistani communities.
Convenience for Overseas Pakistanis
Highlighting the importance of these connections, Khawaja Asif noted that direct flights will bring long-awaited convenience for Pakistanis residing in these regions. Milan, in particular, is home to a large number of expatriates from Sialkot, the minister’s hometown.
UK Clearance Opens New Doors
In July, the United Kingdom removed Pakistan from its aviation safety blacklist, ending a five-year suspension and unlocking opportunities for national airlines to resume operations in British airspace. This decision was celebrated by passengers, aviation authorities, and Pakistani communities abroad. UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott, speaking in Islamabad, applauded the joint efforts of aviation experts from both nations and expressed her eagerness to travel with Pakistani carriers.
Phased UK Flight Restorations
Following the UK’s clearance, Pakistan International Airlines quickly began reinstating routes. In the first phase, the airline launched three weekly Boeing 777 flights to Manchester. The next phase will include restoring services from Islamabad and Lahore to London and Birmingham, pending final approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
The original suspension in 2020 stemmed from allegations by former aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan, who claimed in parliament that numerous Pakistani pilots possessed fraudulent licenses. This controversy led the UK and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to halt Pakistani airline operations.
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With the European skies now reopening, Pakistan International Airlines is not only eyeing a stronger UK presence but also setting its sights on Barcelona and Milan — paving the way for a broader global comeback.
