ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a temporary reduction in its Paris-bound flight operations, citing low passenger turnout on the Lahore-Paris route. The national carrier said that while flights from Islamabad to Paris will continue uninterrupted, services from Lahore will be suspended after mid-September.
According to a PIA spokesperson, the airline had introduced direct flights between Lahore and Paris in June, operating twice a week. However, due to a lack of sufficient passengers, the route will now be discontinued. The final Lahore-Paris flight will depart on September 12, while the last Paris-bound flight from Lahore will take off on September 17.
In the meantime, PIA has shifted its focus toward resuming flights to the United Kingdom, particularly Manchester. Two aircraft that were operating on the Lahore-Paris route have been withdrawn and are currently undergoing renovation in preparation for this. The spokesperson noted that the airline expects to secure “Third Country Operators” authorisation by mid-September, a key regulatory requirement before flights to the UK can be scheduled.
The decision aligns with PIA’s broader operational strategy of prioritising routes with higher demand and profitability. With a significant Pakistani expatriate community residing in the UK, especially in Manchester, the airline hopes to capitalise on this opportunity once operations resume.
It is worth mentioning that in November last year, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted its ban on PIA flights within the bloc, allowing the airline to re-enter the European market after years of restrictions. This regulatory green light has opened up fresh avenues for PIA, but the challenge of balancing demand and operational costs continues to shape its strategic decisions.
The spokesperson reaffirmed that PIA is committed to expanding its international network gradually, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards while addressing the evolving needs of its passengers.
