There is a good news for Pakistanis travelling to UK and Paris.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is gearing up to resume its flight operations to Paris next month, with plans to follow suit for direct flights to Britain’s Heathrow Airport by August 14.
This significant development comes after months of anticipation and efforts to secure crucial safety approvals.
Anticipated Safety Approval from IASA:
Speaking to a delegation of the Council of Economic and Energy Journalists in Islamabad, PIA Chairman Abdullah Hafiz revealed that the national carrier is on track to receive the long-awaited safety approval from the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) later this month.
This approval is pivotal for PIA’s plans to reinstate its European routes.
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“As soon as we get the clearance, we will initiate flights to Paris by June, followed by the resumption of direct flights from Pakistan to Britain’s Heathrow Airport on August 14,” Hafiz stated confidently.
Preparation and Fleet Expansion:
In anticipation of resuming flights to Europe and Britain, PIA has accelerated its maintenance and overhaul processes for its Boeing 777 aircraft fleet.
Currently, seven Boeing 777 aircraft are operational, with two more expected to join the fleet within the next two months.
This expansion will enable PIA to efficiently operate flights to Europe and Britain with a total of nine Boeing 777 planes.
Global Air Service Agreements:
Highlighting Pakistan’s aviation connectivity, Hafiz mentioned that the country boasts air service agreements with 97 countries worldwide.
Addressing Safety Concerns:
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had imposed a flight ban on PIA following a tragic plane crash in Karachi in May 2020, which claimed 97 lives.
Subsequent investigations revealed irregularities in the licensing process for commercial pilots.
In November 2023, an EASA team visited Pakistan to assess various aspects of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and PIA, including licensing, flight safety, standards, and airworthiness.
According to this news PIA”forgot” to load the dead body of a young boy while parents reached the destination. How traumatic and immensely sad for the parents , reportedly the mother fainted after knowing this. PIA repeatedly forgets to bring luggage but this is heartless. pic.twitter.com/pM85FNLtMk
— Fereeha M Idrees (@Fereeha) May 11, 2024
