ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed its flight operations to Canada, with the first flight to Toronto departing from Karachi at 8:00 AM today. The national carrier is also offering up to 15 per cent discounts on tickets for passengers travelling on this route as part of the relaunch campaign.
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According to a PIA spokesperson, the airline will utilize its Boeing 777 (Triple Seven) aircraft for the Canada operations, ensuring long-haul comfort and reliability for international passengers. The spokesperson confirmed that bookings are now open for flights from Karachi to Canada, with further expansions expected based on demand.
This resumption comes after a period of suspension due to operational and regulatory challenges. The restart of Canadian operations marks a significant step in PIA’s broader international recovery strategy.
UK FLIGHTS TO RESUME FROM OCTOBER
Meanwhile, PIA has also announced the much-anticipated resumption of direct flights to the United Kingdom beginning in October. This development follows the successful completion of all regulatory clearances and safety audits.
PIA has received formal Third Country Operator (TCO) authorisation from the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT), allowing it to re-enter the British airspace after a hiatus of more than five years.
PIA has also been awarded the Air Cargo Carrier 3 (ACC3) certification, valid for five years, signifying compliance with international safety and security standards for cargo operations.
Also read: PIA to resume direct flights to UK from October
“In the first phase, we will resume flights to Manchester, followed by Birmingham and London,” the spokesperson confirmed. He also called the DfT approval a “significant milestone” for the airline.
PIA’s UK operations were suspended in 2020 after serious concerns were raised by European and British aviation regulators over pilot licensing irregularities and safety protocols. Since then, PIA has undergone extensive reforms, audits, and safety improvements to meet international aviation standards.