PIA Offers Special New Year Discount on Tickets for Canadian Travelers
The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a 10% discount on tickets for passengers traveling to Pakistan from Canada to celebrate the arrival of 2025.
Details of the Discount Offer
- Booking Period: Travelers can book discounted tickets until December 10, 2024.
- Travel Dates: The tickets will be valid for travel from January 11 to March 20, 2025.
- Special Announcement: A PIA spokesperson described the offer as a New Year gift from the airline’s management to Pakistani expatriates in Canada.
Lifting of the European Ban on PIA Operations
This announcement follows the recent lifting of the European Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) four-year ban on PIA flights.
Key Developments:
- Ban Lifted: Defense and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif credited the success to the efforts of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Ministry of Aviation.
- Privatization Process: The lifting of the ban is expected to ease the process of privatizing the airline.
- Improved Ratings: Minister Asif noted that the ratings for PIA’s other flight operations have improved, and there is optimism about bans in the UK and other countries being lifted soon.
Challenges and Recovery
- Past Controversy: The ban was imposed in 2020 following safety concerns, exacerbated by a controversial statement by a PTI minister regarding pilot certifications.
- Government Efforts: Minister Asif acknowledged that PIA had faced significant challenges but emphasized the hard work of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and his team in stabilizing the airline.
- Future Prospects: Asif expressed hope that Pakistan would soon regain its stature in the global aviation industry.
Expansion of Flight Operations
In addition to PIA’s progress, Airblue, a private Pakistani airline, has been granted permission for flight operations to Europe. The restoration of European operations marks a significant milestone after four years of limited access.
Looking Ahead
The 10% discount offer and the lifting of the European ban highlight the airline’s efforts to rebuild its reputation and expand its operations. With improved ratings and restored flight routes, PIA is poised to play a more prominent role in connecting Pakistan with the rest of the world.
Pakistani expatriates in Canada and beyond can look forward to enhanced services and broader access to international destinations in the near future.