KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announces to launch six new flight routes in January 2025, expanding both its international and domestic networks as the national carrier strengthens its presence in the Middle East.

The expansion includes four new international routes connecting Pakistani cities with Gulf destinations. Starting January 20, PIA will operate twice-weekly flights between Sialkot and Bahrain, alongside a new weekly service between Faisalabad and Jeddah. Additional international routes include twice-weekly flights connecting Lahore with Dammam, beginning January 22, and a weekly Lahore-Kuwait service launching January 25. The airline will also introduce a weekly Sialkot-Doha connection from January 21.  On the domestic front, PIA will establish a new weekly service between Karachi and Peshawar, scheduled to begin January 25. The route expansion follows PIA's recent resumption of services to Europe and the United Kingdom after meeting European Union Aviation Safety Agency requirements. To support the network growth, PIA has restored several aircraft to active service, including a Boeing 777, an Airbus 320, and an ATR. These additions have increased the carrier's operational fleet to 19 aircraft, with plans to reach 24 aircraft within six months. The new routes will utilize the airline's Boeing 777 and Airbus 320 aircraft, positioning PIA to serve growing travel demand between Pakistan and the Gulf region.