PIA flight lands at Charles de Gaulle airport Paris

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Pakistan International Airlines’ first flight to Paris, PK-749, has landed safely at Charles de Gaulle (CDG airport) Paris, France after a gap of more than four years.

The passengers, officials of PIA and aviation and crew members were warmly received at the airport by Pakistan Charge d’Affairs Huzefa Khanum along with Pakistani diaspora, a press release, on Saturday, said.

The charge d’ affairs said that this was the best gift for overseas Pakistanis by the government, adding the resumption of flights would further strengthen relations between Pakistan, France and the European Union through promotion of trade, tourism, business and people-to-people exchanges.

Speaking on the occasion AVM Amir Hayat CEO PIA said that PIA would operate flights twice a week to Paris from Islamabad – every Friday and Sunday, providing direct air connectivity between Pakistan and France.

He highlighted that the first direct flight between Pakistan and France started in 1966.

The representative of Air France said that it was a happy day for the people of both countries and bilateral relations would further grow.

The passengers who reached Paris via direct flight from Islamabad were overjoyed because of the reduced travel time and quality service experienced by them.

A cake-cutting ceremony was arranged at CDG to mark the special occasion. The officers and staff of Embassy were also present.