In a bid to restore its former glory, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the launch of direct flights between Lahore and Baku, Azerbaijan, starting April 20. This new route is part of the airline’s broader strategy to enhance international connectivity and drive its transformation.
PIA will operate two weekly flights on this route, departing every Sunday and Wednesday. Special ceremonies will take place in cities across Pakistan to engage with travel agents and tour operators.
A PIA statement emphasized the airline’s commitment to making this new connection commercially viable while also fostering bilateral tourism and trade between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
PIA’s Major Financial Turnaround
Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed PIA’s financial achievement as a “major turnaround” after two decades of losses. The national carrier is set to post its first profit in 20 years, with an operational profit of PKR 9.3 billion and a net profit of PKR 26.6 billion for the fiscal year 2024. This remarkable recovery is seen as a major step forward for PIA, which last recorded a profit in 2003.
Reviving Regional Operations
PIA also marked a milestone with its first flight from the newly constructed Gwadar International Airport on January 25, flying to Muscat. The inaugural flight was a significant achievement following the commencement of operations at the airport, with the first PIA flight landing there on January 20.
Resumption of European Flights
On January 10, PIA resumed its direct flight to Paris, its first European route in over four years. The flight carried over 300 passengers, marking a proud moment for the airline. This resumption follows the UK and European aviation authorities’ five-year ban on Pakistani airlines, imposed after the fake pilot license scandal in 2020. Officials are optimistic that the ban will soon be lifted, allowing PIA to fully regain its European operations.
