Restart of Direct Flights from Lahore to Paris
Weekly flights between Lahore (Allama Iqbal Intl) and Paris (CDG) resume on June 18, 2025, enhancing PIA’s European network. This marks the first time in five years since PIA halted the route in 2020 due to an EU safety ban.
Expansion Follows Earlier Relaunch
PIA reinstated flights from Islamabad to Paris in January 2025 after the EU lifted its four-and-a-half-year ban in November 2024. With the new Lahore–Paris service, PIA now offers three direct Paris flights per week—twice from Islamabad, once from Lahore.
A Story of Reversal
Following significant reorganisation, the route’s resumption coincides with PIA’s first operating profit in 21 years (March 2024). The EU’s safety clearance reflects improved regulatory oversight by Pakistan’s aviation authority.
Why This Matters
Strong diaspora demand between Pakistan and France supports the route—Lahore–Paris was the second-largest city pair with ~29,000 pax in 2024. Expanding European access not only boosts connectivity for passengers but also enhances Pakistan’s aviation profile and foreign exchange earnings.
The Last Shot
PIA’s relaunch of the Lahore–Paris route cements its return to European skies and signals a strategic rebound following safety updates and financial recovery. As PIA rebuilds its network, passengers can now enjoy renewed, convenient linkages between Pakistan’s major cities and Europe.
