PIA reduces international fares by upto Rs 350,000

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a significant reduction in international fares following the waiver of federal excise duty (FED) by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

According to sources cited by the state-run news agency, passengers flying to the United States could save up to Rs350,000 on tickets. Those traveling to Africa and the Middle East may benefit from price reductions of up to Rs105,000, while flights to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Far East could see savings of up to Rs210,000.

The FED waiver, however, is limited to international flights, with domestic travel still subject to the tax, PIA officials confirmed.

The waiver comes after the 2024 federal budget imposed an additional Rs56 billion in FED on air travel, offering relief to international passengers.

Furthermore, the IMF has approved an 18 per cent sales tax exemption on the purchase or lease of new aircraft, which is expected to benefit the airline industry.

PIA TO RESUME DIRECT FLIGHTS TO PARIS FROM JANUARY

PIA will resume direct flights to Paris starting January 10, 2025, following the lifting of a long-standing ban by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

A press release stated, “Direct flights between Pakistan and France will simplify travel and foster business, tourism, family connections, and cultural exchanges.”

PIA’s operations in the EU were suspended in June 2020 after concerns were raised about the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and compliance with international aviation standards.

The suspension came in the aftermath of a tragic plane crash that claimed 97 lives and sparked investigations into the validity of pilots’ licences in Pakistan.

This led to the EASA and UK aviation authorities revoking PIA’s authorization to operate in their regions.

With the ban now lifted, PIA aims to reestablish its presence in the European market while ensuring adherence to global safety and operational standards.

FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch appointed ambassador to France