In a landmark move for both business and tourism, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to resume its direct flights between Islamabad and Paris, starting on January 10, 2025. This resumption comes after a hiatus of over four years, and it promises to be a significant step forward for both the airline and Pakistan's broader international connectivity.
PIA's Return to the Paris Route: A Milestone for Connectivity
After a long hiatus, PIA is once again offering direct flights from Islamabad to Paris. The first flight of this resumed service, PK749, will depart from Islamabad Airport at 12:00 PM on January 10, 2025, carrying over 300 passengers. This flight marks a monumental occasion for PIA, showcasing the airline’s commitment to revitalizing and expanding its international routes.
The resumption of direct flights to Paris will serve both as a significant addition to Pakistan’s air travel options and as a catalyst for growing economic and cultural links between the two countries. A simple send-off ceremony will take place at Islamabad Airport, attended by prominent figures including Khawaja Muhammad Asif, the Minister for Defense, along with PIA Acting CEO Khurram Mushtaq and the Secretary of Aviation.
Strong Demand for PIA's Paris Flights
Reflecting the high demand for direct air travel between Islamabad and Paris, the inaugural flight PK749 on January 10, 2025, has already been fully booked. This shows that there is a strong interest in travel between Pakistan and France, whether for business, tourism, or other purposes. Following this first flight, subsequent services on this route are also sold out, emphasizing the widespread anticipation of this service's return.
The Boeing 777, a state-of-the-art aircraft, will be utilized for this route, offering passengers a comfortable and modern flying experience. The popularity of this route underscores the importance of maintaining strong international air links to boost tourism, business exchanges, and facilitate people-to-people connections between Pakistan and the European Union.
Expanding PIA’s Network: New Domestic and International Routes
PIA’s expansion doesn’t stop at its return to Paris. Starting in January 2025, the airline is significantly ramping up its domestic and international flight operations. These new routes represent an effort to cater to growing demand for air travel in both Pakistan and its neighboring regions.
One of the most exciting developments includes the launch of two weekly flights from Sialkot to Bahrain, beginning on January 20, 2025. This service will provide better connectivity for business and leisure travelers between the two cities. Additionally, Lahore will see a new weekly flight to Kuwait starting on January 25, 2025. These new additions are part of PIA’s strategy to meet the increasing demand for air travel between Pakistan and the Middle East, which is a critical region for both economic and cultural ties.
Furthermore, PIA is strengthening its links to the Gulf region by introducing two weekly flights between Lahore and Dammam, effective from January 22, 2025. This service aims to facilitate both business and leisure travel to one of the most economically vibrant regions of the world.
Increasing International Connectivity: New Routes to Saudi Arabia and Qatar
In addition to its focus on the Middle East, PIA is also enhancing its links to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Faisalabad will benefit from a new weekly flight to Jeddah, set to begin on January 20, 2025. As Jeddah is a major hub for both business and religious tourism (given its proximity to Mecca), this route will cater to a wide variety of travelers.
Another exciting addition to PIA's growing route network is the new weekly flight between Peshawar and Karachi starting on January 25, 2025. This will not only improve domestic connectivity within Pakistan but also open up additional options for travelers transiting through Karachi, one of the key air hubs in the country.
Lastly, the Sialkot to Doha service, which will start on January 21, 2025, further demonstrates PIA’s commitment to expanding its reach in the Gulf region. With a growing number of Pakistanis residing and working in Qatar, this route is expected to be particularly popular with the expatriate community.
PIA’s Commitment to Customer Experience and Fleet Modernization
As part of its broader strategy to compete in an increasingly globalized aviation market, PIA has committed to improving both the quality of its services and the modernization of its fleet. The Boeing 777 aircraft utilized for the Islamabad-Paris route, along with the introduction of Airbus A320 planes for new domestic and regional routes, reflect PIA’s ongoing efforts to provide passengers with a more comfortable and efficient flying experience.
The airline’s commitment to modernizing its fleet is critical to maintaining competitiveness in a highly dynamic aviation market. By upgrading to newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft, PIA aims to enhance the passenger experience while minimizing environmental impact.
Boosting Business, Tourism, and Cultural Exchanges
The resumption of direct flights to Paris and the introduction of new routes to key destinations are poised to have significant benefits for both Pakistan and the countries with which it is enhancing air connectivity. These developments will not only make travel more accessible but also foster greater business and tourism exchanges.
Tourism between Pakistan and Europe is expected to grow, with Paris being a major tourist destination for Pakistanis. Similarly, the increasing frequency of flights to the Middle East and Gulf regions is likely to facilitate greater business interactions, trade partnerships, and the movement of workers and professionals.
Furthermore, the expansion of PIA’s flight network will also enable more cultural exchanges between Pakistan and the international community, leading to greater mutual understanding and cooperation across borders.
 resumes direct flights from Islamabad to Paris starting January 10, 2025, after a four-year suspension.){kind=link}