Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed its direct flight service from Lahore to Paris after a five-year suspension, marking a major development in the national carrier’s efforts to restore its European network.
According to a PIA spokesperson, the first weekly flight PK-733 departed from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport at 12 noon on Wednesday, carrying 276 passengers to the French capital. This resumption follows years of limited European connectivity due to operational and regulatory challenges.
A grand ceremony was held at the airport to commemorate the relaunch of the route. Airline officials and passengers participated in the event, celebrating the revival of one of PIA’s key international routes.
The spokesperson further noted that PIA is already operating two weekly flights from Islamabad to Paris, and the addition of the Lahore route will offer more options to passengers in Punjab seeking direct travel to Europe.
In January 2025, PIA made a historic return to Paris after 4.5 years as its flight PK 749 successfully landed in the French capital. The flight, which took off directly from Islamabad at 12:30pm, arrived in Paris after a journey of eight hours.
A warm welcome was given at the Paris Airport, where PIA staff and officials from the Pakistan Embassy were present to greet the passengers.
The flight carried 317 passengers along with the crew members. CEO of PIA, Amir Hayat, along with senior officials, also traveled on the inaugural flight.