PIA’s maiden flight to Sydney deferred amid security reviews at Pakistani airports

Lahore: The maiden Pakistani flight from Lahore to Sydney to be operated by the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has been deferred for few days on the advise of the Australian Homeland Affairs Department.

According to a release issued by a PIA spokesman, Australia wants to reassess the prevailing security situation in Pkaistan and review the security apparatus and procedures adopted at Pakistani airports.

The national carrier was set to operate its first ever direct flight between Pakistan and Australia on April 22, 2022, with initially planning to operate one weekly flight on this route.

The decision to operate direct flights was taken in the wake of strong demand by the Pakistanis living in Australia to avoid 35 hours long journey via transiting at Middle Eastern points.

With PIA’s direct flights the travel duration with total journey lasted only 12.5 hours.

Necessary permissions were obtained from theAustralian Civil Aviation Authority and flights were mounted in the system and drew healthy loads. However in a last moment development, the Department of Homeland Affairs of Australia-- consequent to the detailed assessment of the security protocols adopted at Karachi and Lahore Airports-- have sought more time and have advised PIA to cancel its first two flights, till the time their review is complete.

The PIA spokesperson confirmed the news, saying that it is an unfortunate development, however in view of the company's desires for a long term sustainable operations to Australia, PIA will comply with all the regulations and security reviews.

Pakistani High Commission in Australia is in constant contact with the concerned authorities for amicable and expeditious resolution of the matter and have made themselves available for any assistance in this regard.

He said first two flights have been deferred to a later date and all the passengers will be re-accommodated on those flights.

PIA Call Centre has already started informing the passengers about the change, the spokesman said, and added all those customers who intend to travel before that can get their tickets refunded without any charge.