Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will restart direct flights to Paris in January 2025, enhancing business, tourism, and cultural ties between Pakistan and France after discussions between Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad and PIA’s marketing team.
According to PIA representatives, “A press release on Sunday highlighted that the direct flights will simplify travel and foster increased business activities, tourism, family visits, and broader people-to-people engagement between the two nations,”.
This development is part of a broader strategy to expand Pakistan’s aviation footprint globally. Alongside the Paris connection, PIA is preparing to resume services to the United States, reflecting significant progress in international aviation relations. A recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been signed, addressing financial obligations that pave the way for further cooperation.
DG CAA Nadir Shafi Dar mentioned that the outstanding payments to the FAA would soon be settled, facilitating an expected visit by the FAA delegation to Pakistan by early spring. This visit could potentially upgrade Pakistan’s aviation safety rating to ‘Category One’ status, allowing direct flights to the U.S. to recommence.
Read: PIA to Resume Direct Flights to the U.S. and Revitalize UK Routes
The reinstatement of direct flights to key destinations like Paris and potentially the U.S. comes after a hiatus that began in 2017. At that time, PIA operated six weekly flights to the U.S., including four to New York and two to Chicago.
The resumption of these flights will enhance Pakistan’s global connectivity, support economic growth, and promote cultural exchange, marking a milestone in PIA’s international services recovery and expansion.
