PIA Direct Fight To Sydney Deferred On Australia’s Request

Web Desk — On Australian Homeland Affairs Department’s request, Pakistan has deferred direct Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights from Lahore to Sydney and Sydney to Lahore for a few days.

According to sources, the Australian Homeland Department officials want to reassess the security situation in the country and review the security apparatus and procedures adopted at Pakistani airports.

Earlier, PIA was set to operate its first direct flight between Pakistan and Australia on Friday (today), initially planning to run one weekly flight on the route. There was a strong demand from the Pakistan-origin people residing in Australia, who wanted direct flights, especially when travelling with families, as they hated journeys of up to 35 hours via Middle Eastern airports. With PIA’s direct flights, the travel duration is set to be reduced to only 12.5 hours.

Unfortunately, at the eleventh hour, the Department of Homeland Affairs of Australia, consequent to the detailed assessment of the security protocols adopted at Karachi and Lahore airports, sought more time and have advised PIA to cancel its first two flights, till the time their review is complete.

When contacted, the spokesperson for PIA confirmed the development, describing it as an “unfortunate” one. “However in view of our desire for long-term sustainable operations to Australia, PIA will comply with all the regulations and security reviews.”

According to the spokesperson, the Pakistani High Commission in Australia is in constant contact with the authorities concerned for an amicable and expeditious resolution of the matter.