Islamabad, Jan 12: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has announced that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to restart direct flights to the United Kingdom (UK) by the end of February 2025. The announcement was made during his appearance on ARY News’ program “Aiteraz Hai”.
In addition to resuming flights to the UK, PIA plans to expand its operations to 19 European destinations, including major cities such as Barcelona and Milan. The airline is also aiming to re-establish flight routes to the United States and Canada in the future.
The minister emphasized that these initiatives are part of PIA’s strategy to enhance its operational value, making it more appealing for potential privatization.
Read More: PIA Expands Flight Operations by Introducing New Routes to Enhance Connectivity
Recent Developments:
·PIA has recently resumed its operations to Paris with its flight PK 749, marking the revival of this route after more than four years. The flight was greeted by Charge d’Affaires Ms. Huzefa Khanum and other officials at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.
·Formal Request to the UK: PIA has submitted a formal request to the UK Department of Transport and Civil Aviation to resume flight operations. This includes seeking Third Country Authorization (TCA), which is essential for the airline’s operations in the UK.
The airline is focusing on relaunching flights to key UK cities, such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester, as part of its broader efforts to expand and restore its international presence.
This expansion and recovery initiative comes after PIA faced several challenges in recent years and is aimed at revitalizing its image and improving its performance.
