WEBDESK: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially announced the launch of direct Lahore-Paris flights, scheduled to begin on June 18, 2025. This new international route aims to make travel between Pakistan and Europe easier and more convenient, especially for passengers flying from Punjab’s capital city.
The weekly flight will operate from Lahore to Paris, according to PIA management. The PIA is already operating two weekly flights from Islamabad to Paris.
According to PIA, the new route is expected to provide travel convenience to passengers while also boosting foreign exchange earnings.
Earlier, it was reported that PIA has been operating in profit since March 2024 as Parliamentary Secretary Zeb Jaffar informed the National Assembly during the Question Hour on Wednesday.
Responding to a question from MNA Sharmila Faruqi, Zeb Jaffar stated that irresponsible statements made on the floor of the House in the past had damaged the reputation and business of the airline. “The consequences of those remarks were felt by the country,” she added.
PIA’s management expects that the Lahore-Paris flights will not only help ease travel for overseas Pakistanis and tourists, but also bring in valuable foreign exchange for the country. Many passengers who previously had to rely on connecting flights or travel to Islamabad for a direct flight will now be able to fly from Lahore without the hassle.
According to officials, this move is aligned with PIA’s recent financial recovery. The airline has reportedly been operating profitably since March 2024. Much of this turnaround is credited to improved route planning, operational restructuring, and efforts to regain international credibility.
The launch of Lahore-Paris flights also comes after successful talks between the Pakistani government and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). These talks have helped lift some restrictions that were previously limiting PIA’s operations in European airspace.
Jaffar said PIA has now resumed flights to the European Union, including two destinations in Europe, such as Paris. She also mentioned that the government had engaged in dialogue with the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which paved the way for restarting flights to Paris. Talks with UK aviation authorities are also underway.
Efforts to make the national airline more profitable are continuing, and their impact will become more visible in the coming months, she added.
This new Lahore-Paris route is expected to strengthen ties between Pakistan and Europe. Paris is home to a large number of Pakistani expatriates, especially from Punjab. A direct flight will make it easier for families to stay connected and for business people to explore opportunities abroad.
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