Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is preparing to launch direct flights to Barcelona and Milan as part of its post-reopening expansion into Europe, following directives from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
The move comes after the national carrier resumed European operations, which had been suspended for several years. Defence Minister Asif instructed the airline to prioritise these routes due to the large Pakistani communities in both cities. Milan, in particular, has a significant population from Sialkot, his hometown, making it an important destination for the airline.
PIA’s renewed European push follows the United Kingdom’s decision in July to remove Pakistan from its air safety list, ending a five-year ban. British High Commissioner Jane Marriott praised the joint efforts of aviation authorities in both countries and expressed her eagerness to fly with a Pakistani airline.
After the announcement, PIA quickly resumed flights to Manchester, introducing three weekly Boeing 777 services. In the next phase, flights from Islamabad and Lahore to London and Birmingham will be restored, pending final approvals.
