PIA to resume flights to Canada

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is resuming its direct flight operations to Toronto, Canada, its spokesman said on Monday.

Canadian officials allowed PIA to resume its flights to Toronto, which had been earlier restricted to cargo flights only on Pakistan to Canada routes consequent to the surge in COVID wave. However, other travel related advisories pertaining to Canada will remain in place, said the spokesman.

In first phase PIA will start with three direct flights per week from Pakistan to Toronto. The airline will be following strict standard operating procedures. PIA has already vaccinated its entire crew and ground staff against COVID-19 and now is the process to vaccinate all the airline employees. Its the first airline region to do so.

PIA officials were directed to immediately start processing booking and purchase of tickets and it is expected that the first flight will resume from Sunday from Pakistan to Toronto.

PIA will operate flights from Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad Stations to Toronto. The passengers will be required to present COVID vaccination certificate as well as COVID negative test result prior to travel.

The temporary restrictions were earlier placed by Canadian authorities due to the COVID pandemic around the world.

Passengers purchasing new tickets or holding prior purchased tickets can utilize their

tickets subject to meeting the terms and conditions of travel. Passengers can contact PIA Call Centre at 111-786-786 for further details, said the PIA spokesman.