ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed its Lahore to Paris flight service after a five-year pause, signaling a major step forward in restoring international connectivity.
This move comes following the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifting the ban on PIA’s operations in Europe, a restriction that was imposed in mid-2020 after concerns over pilot license validity surfaced in the aftermath of a tragic plane crash in Karachi.
Return to European Skies
The European ban had grounded PIA’s European flights, affecting routes critical for trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. After the ban was lifted in November last year, PIA restarted flights from Islamabad to Paris earlier in 2025.
Now, the Lahore-Paris route has been added with a weekly flight using a Boeing 777 aircraft, designed with a newly refurbished cabin interior to enhance passenger comfort.
Officials from PIA emphasized that while flights to any European destination (except the UK) are now possible, decisions on routes will depend on passenger demand and market conditions.
Negotiations are ongoing with UK aviation authorities, with hopes of restoring services there in the coming months.
Boost for Pakistan-France Relations
The inaugural Lahore-Paris flight was celebrated with a formal ceremony at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, attended by senior PIA management, representatives from the Pakistan Airports Authority, and the French Embassy.
The French mission expressed optimism that this renewed air link will strengthen bilateral ties and foster closer cooperation in trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
This resumption is expected to positively impact the aviation sector by opening more opportunities for Pakistani travelers and boosting economic activities linked to travel and tourism.
Despite earlier controversies surrounding PIA’s promotional campaign for European flights, the airline has apologized and recommitted to improving its image and services.
PIA’s restoration of Lahore-Paris flights after a long hiatus marks a critical milestone in Pakistan’s aviation industry’s recovery and promises greater connectivity for passengers traveling between South Asia and Europe.
