Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) first direct flight to Australia has been postponed on security concerns. The flight was scheduled to take off on April 22nd but the Australian Home Ministry instructed PIA to postpone the flight.
Despite having the affirmation from the Australian Civil Aviation Authority, the home ministry said they wanted to take review the security situation at Lahore and Karachi airports before the commencement of the direct transit flights between the two countries. Australian authorities confirmed that they took the decision with respect to the security situation in Pakistan.
State Airlines’ spokesperson confirmed that their administration and Pakistani embassy are in contact with the Australian authorities on the issue. Moreover, passengers of the first two flights have been notified about the delay in the flights through the call center.
Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) first direct flight from Lahore to Sydney was scheduled to take off on April 22, but the Australian home ministry on Thursday instructed the national flag-carrier to postpone it.
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— The Express Tribune (@etribune) April 22, 2022
Direct flights to Australia
In February, PIA announced its plan to run two weekly flights to Australia. Direct flight to Australia would reduce the traveling time by one-third between Australia and Pakistan.
Read more: PIA plans to run direct weekly flights to Australia
“If it (flights to Australia by a Pakistani carrier) happens, it would be happening for the first time,” said PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez. “We have run the feasibility, which says it would be beneficial for the airline.”
PIA had planned to run two weekly flights from Karachi and Lahore to Sydney. Later, Islamabad will be added as well. PIA claims that if everything goes as planned, they will be able to start flight operations to Australia by the end of March or early April.
Following the announcement, PIA received approval from Australia Aviation Authority. With the direct flights between two c9ountries, traveling time will be reduced to 12.30 to 13 hours with direct flights. Currently, due to the non-availability of direct flights and stopovers, it takes 34 to 35 hours to reach Australia from Pakistan and to return.