ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a partnership with rail networks in Canada and the United Kingdom, allowing passengers to travel by air and train on a single ticket.
According to the airline’s press release, passengers arriving in Toronto will have access to rail connections to eight major cities across Canada through PIA’s partner network. Similarly, travelers flying to London and Manchester can reach over 50 cities across the UK via rail.
PIA also highlighted that the booking process has been made simple and convenient, enabling passengers to reserve rail tickets alongside their air travel through PIA booking offices, authorised travel agents, the airline’s official website, and its mobile app.
The national carrier resumed flight operations to the UK last year in October, more than five years after a ban over a fake pilot licence scandal was lifted in July. PIA had previously estimated an annual revenue loss of around 40 billion rupees ($144 million) due to the ban.
PIA has also announced its plans to resume flights to London from March 2026, following the lifting of a five‑year ban on Pakistani carriers by UK authorities earlier this year.
The national airline has secured four weekly flight slots at London’s Heathrow Airport, which were temporarily held by Turkish Airlines to maintain regulatory rights during PIA’s suspension.
With restrictions now eased, PIA has formally informed Heathrow of its plans to restart services.
This development follows the recent privatisation auction in which a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation became the highest bidder for a 75% stake in PIA with a Rs135 billion offer, outbidding a rival group.
Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited has since joined the consortium, bringing financial backing and corporate expertise to the airline’s management.
The consortium has pledged to invest Rs125 billion in the first year to upgrade ground operations and overall services, and plans to expand PIA’s operational fleet significantly.
