PIA to Launch Direct Flights to Barcelona and Milan After European Ban Lifted
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to start direct flights to Barcelona and Milan, marking a major step in its post-reopening expansion into Europe. The move comes on the instructions of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, following the recent restoration of PIA’s European flight operations after years of suspension.
The minister emphasized that these two cities were top priorities because of their large overseas Pakistani communities. Milan, in particular, is home to a significant number of residents from Sialkot, the minister’s hometown, making it a strategic destination for the national carrier.
This renewed European focus comes shortly after the United Kingdom removed Pakistan from its air safety list in July, ending a five-year ban on Pakistani airlines. British High Commissioner Jane Marriott praised the joint efforts of both countries’ aviation authorities and expressed interest in flying with Pakistani airlines in the future.
In response, PIA resumed operations to Manchester with three weekly Boeing 777 flights. Under its second phase of expansion, the airline plans to restore flights from Islamabad and Lahore to London and Birmingham, pending final approvals.
With the launch of new routes to Barcelona and Milan, PIA aims to strengthen its European network and offer better connectivity for Pakistani travelers and the diaspora community.
