PIA set to launch weekly direct flights from Lahore to Paris
France-bound Pakistanis to enjoy layover-free travel
DUBAI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to launch direct flights from Lahore to Paris starting June 18, providing Pakistanis with a long-awaited non-stop travel option to the French capital.
The national flag carrier announced the new weekly route as part of its renewed access to European skies, following the lifting of a 4.5-year ban by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The inaugural flight will depart from Lahore on a Wednesday, kicking off a weekly schedule aimed at boosting convenience for travellers to France.
PIA is currently the only Pakistani airline offering direct flights to and from the European Union. This move is seen as a strategic step towards restoring the airline’s global footprint and regaining the trust of international passengers.
Bonjour Paris, Salam Lahore!
— PIA (@Official_PIA) May 22, 2025
Now fly non-stop between Paris and Lahore with PIA.
Book your seat today at: https://t.co/zzPi4NyCFA#FlyPIA #ParisToLahore #LahoreToParis #DirectFlights #TravelWithPIA pic.twitter.com/UreSNNQ04M
PIA’s return to Europe
PIA’s European revival began earlier this year when the airline resumed its Islamabad to Paris service on January 10, after being grounded in the EU since July 2020. The ban stemmed from a scandal involving fake pilot licences, prompting aviation regulators to suspend PIA’s access to EU airspace.
The resumption of operations has been accompanied by a phased reintroduction of European routes, with the Lahore-Paris connection being the latest addition. Aviation analysts consider this development vital for the airline’s financial recovery, reputation management, and service expansion.
Officials from PIA believe that the new direct service to Paris will cater to a growing demand among business travellers, tourists, and families with ties to France and neighbouring European nations. Ticketing details and fare structures are expected to be unveiled soon.
Safety first
While the restart of European services marks a significant milestone for PIA, aviation watchdogs continue to monitor the airline closely. Industry experts have emphasised the need for consistent adherence to international safety protocols and transparent operations to maintain regulatory approval and passenger confidence.
The relaunch of European routes aligns with PIA’s broader goal of tapping into the extensive Pakistani diaspora living in France and across the continent. With many previously reliant on connecting flights through the Middle East, the availability of direct travel is poised to offer a more efficient and attractive option.
Pakistan airspace update
The broader regional aviation landscape has also seen changes in recent weeks. Following a temporary closure of Pakistani airspace due to military tensions with India, most foreign airlines have resumed operations over Pakistan. Carriers such as British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, Swiss Air, and Etihad have reinstated normal flight paths through Pakistani airspace, easing travel disruptions and cutting fuel costs.
However, Air France continues to avoid Pakistani territory, resulting in longer flight durations and increased operational expenses. According to officials from the Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA), Air France’s decision has led to millions of dollars in additional fuel costs. The French airline remains the only major carrier yet to resume overflights, while Pakistan has extended its airspace ban on Indian flights by another month, in response to India’s initial closure.
These developments come under the scrutiny of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which allows such airspace restrictions for a maximum of one month at a time, subject to renewal.