Aviation

Pakistan's Privatisation Commission ranked an EY-led consortium first for Karachi and Lahore airport outsourcing advisory work despite its $8.47 million proposal exceeding a rival's bid by $2.22 million, or 35.45%.

PIA aircraft leasing efforts are accelerating as its chief executive and a board member head to Europe seeking additional jets for expanding London operations and long-term fleet growth.

PIA Islamabad-Beijing flights are set to return October 30, marking the airline’s second announced restart date in four months after fuel pressures disrupted the China route.

The UK CAA PIA inspection comes as the airline prepares to expand its London operation from four to seven weekly flights.

Pakistan is advancing plans for a new 1,800-acre greenfield airport in Gilgit as authorities push regional connectivity, private airline fleet expansion and smaller aircraft for underserved routes.

PIA fleet expansion gathers pace as the airline approves five additional aircraft leases while Boeing prepares a revised proposal for longer-term fleet renewal.

Pakistan Airports Authority has opened international bidding for the Islamabad Aviation Complex, with procurement documents reviewed by Focus Pakistan revealing a Rs30.07 billion construction package, 33 constructed levels and a 1,645-day completion period.

PIA has passed its latest IOSA safety audit, extending its international operational safety registration through September 2028 and reinforcing global credibility.

PIAHCL financial results reveal a Rs25.39 billion consolidated loss for 2025 as Rs53.65 billion in finance costs erase a major operating turnaround.

Fly Jinnah will launch nonstop Karachi-Riyadh flights on September 18 before increasing frequency to daily service from October amid growing competition.

Dubai has expanded its Visa on Arrival programme to seven nationalities, allowing eligible travellers to obtain 14-day or 60-day visas upon arrival. However, Pakistani passport holders remain excluded from the latest GDRFA policy and must continue following the standard UAE visa application process before travelling.