Business Desk 
Dec 22, 2024
A PIA plane prepares to take-off at Alama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore February 1, 2012. — Reuters
Minister for Privatisation Abdul Aleem Khan has hailed the resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Europe as a significant milestone for both the airline and the country’s privatisation efforts.
As reported by Radio Pakistan, the Federal Minister expressed hope that PIA's flights to the US and the UK would also resume, helping further enhance the airline's global reputation.
Aleem Khan highlighted that several challenges impeding PIA’s privatisation had been resolved, with the remaining issues expected to be addressed soon.
He also shared that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had approved key measures for the buyer of PIA, including the removal of an 18% sales tax on new aircraft purchases and the transfer of PIA’s losses to a holding company.
These steps are aimed at easing the airline's financial burdens and setting the stage for a successful privatisation.
PIA will resume its twice-weekly flights between Islamabad and Paris starting January 10, 2025, following the European Union’s decision to lift the ban that had been in place for over four years.
The flights will operate on Tuesdays and Fridays using Boeing 777 aircraft. Ticket bookings for the Islamabad-Paris route began on December 7, 2024, and are currently ongoing. While this route is confirmed, the timeline for the Lahore-Paris route's return remains unclear.
This development marks an important return for PIA to European skies after a suspension that began in June 2020 due to concerns over Pakistan’s aviation safety standards. The resumption of flights is expected to improve PIA’s international presence and mark a new chapter in the airline’s recovery and privatisation journey.
