Business Desk 
Aug 14, 2025
In a bid to expand services, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced it will launch direct flights to Barcelona and Milan as part of its post-reopening expansion into European destinations.
Notably, the move comes after the resumption of PIA’s European operations, which had been suspended for several years.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif directed the airline to prioritise routes to Barcelona and Milan due to the large overseas Pakistani communities residing there.
Given the sizable community of Sialkot origin residing in Milan, the city holds considerable importance for the national carrier, reflecting the airline's focus on nurturing ties with its hometown diaspora.
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. Marriott stated that joint efforts by aviation authorities from both countries had been made, and expressed interest in flying with Pakistani airlines.
In response to the end of the ban, 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.
With these new services, PIA aims to give greater comfort and reduced travel time for overseas Pakistanis, while also supporting the national airline’s efforts to strengthen its presence in the European aviation market.
