ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to launch direct flights to Barcelona and Milan as part of its post-reopening expansion into European destinations, following directives from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
The move comes after the resumption of PIA’s European operations, which had been suspended for several years.
The defence minister instructed the airline to prioritize routes to Barcelona and Milan due to the large overseas Pakistani communities residing there.
Milan, in particular, is home to a significant number of people from Sialkot, Asif’s hometown, making it a key destination for the national carrier.
The renewed focus on European connectivity follows the United Kingdom’s decision in July to remove Pakistan from its air safety list. The announcement by British High Commissioner Jane Marriott marked the end of a five-year ban on Pakistani airlines in British airspace.
She commended the joint efforts of aviation authorities from both countries and expressed interest in flying with Pakistani airlines.
In response, PIA quickly resumed operations to Manchester, introducing three weekly flights operated by Boeing 777 aircraft. The airline’s second phase will see the restoration of flights from Islamabad and Lahore to London and Birmingham, pending necessary approvals.
