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Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) continues to upgrade its passenger services by expanding its online check-in facility to additional cities across the country. Passengers flying from Multan, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Quetta, and Skardu can now use the national flag carrier’s digital platforms to check in before arriving at the airport.
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The initiative, which was previously limited to major hubs like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, is part of PIA’s broader strategy to streamline airport processes and enhance the customer experience on domestic routes.
Online Check-In Now Available in 5 More Cities
With this new rollout, PIA’s online check-in is accessible through its official mobile app and website (www.piac.com.pk) for passengers traveling on domestic flights from:
- Multan
- Faisalabad
- Peshawar
- Quetta
- Skardu
Passengers can check in remotely, select seats, and receive boarding passes digitally—allowing them to skip long queues at airport counters.
“This feature aims to make domestic travel smoother, faster, and more convenient for all passengers,” a PIA spokesperson said in a statement.
How Online Check-In Works
The online check-in system is available for use 24 to 2 hours before flight departure, depending on the route and aircraft. Once checked in, travelers receive a digital boarding pass via email or app notification, which can be scanned at airport checkpoints.
PIA has encouraged all eligible travelers to take advantage of the system to minimize wait times, reduce crowding at check-in counters, and improve overall efficiency at airports.
For questions or assistance, customers can:
- Visit the official website: www.piac.com.pk
- Call the helpline: 021-111-786-786
No Immediate Resumption of UK Flights, Says PIA
In a separate development, Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIAHCL) has issued a public clarification regarding recent reports circulating in the media about the resumption of UK flight operations.
The airline clarified that while the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) has granted regulatory clearance to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA)—confirming that Pakistani aviation oversight now meets international safety standards—this does not automatically authorize individual airlines to resume operations to the UK.
“The clearance applies to Pakistan’s regulatory framework and does not equate to flight approvals for any specific airline,” the company stated.
What the UK CAA Clearance Means
The UK CAA’s clearance indicates that Pakistani airspace, as regulated by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, has been reviewed and meets ICAO-compliant safety standards. This is a positive development, especially in light of previous restrictions imposed after the 2020 pilot license scandal, which led to the suspension of PIA’s flights to Europe and the UK.
However, for airlines to resume international operations, especially to countries like the UK:
- They must submit individual applications for air operator certificates (AOCs).
- They require route-specific permissions.
- They must comply with airworthiness inspections and audits from relevant foreign aviation bodies.
Media Reports Were “Symbolic,” Not Reflective of Operational Reality
PIA noted that recent media reports suggesting an immediate return to UK flight routes were based on assumptions and misinterpretations. The airline emphasized that any resumption of operations to destinations like London, Manchester, or Birmingham will follow a formal approval process and may still take weeks or months.
“Mentions of PIA in these news stories were symbolic and do not represent a confirmed timeline for service resumption,” the airline clarified.
Background: PIA’s Suspension from Europe and UK Routes
In 2020, PIA was banned from flying to the UK and the European Union after a high-profile pilot license scandal rocked the national aviation sector. Investigations revealed that over 200 Pakistani pilots held fraudulent or dubious credentials, prompting safety concerns worldwide.
As a result, EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and UK CAA suspended PIA’s operating rights in their respective jurisdictions.
Since then, the airline has been working with the PCAA and international regulators to reform aviation safety protocols, retrain staff, and overhaul its compliance procedures.
What’s Next for PIA?
With the digital transformation of domestic services underway and international regulatory hurdles gradually being addressed, PIA appears to be positioning itself for a long-term recovery. However, industry analysts caution that PIA still faces major challenges:
- A weak financial structure
- Outdated aircraft in some segments
- Intense regional competition
- Limited global partnerships
Still, the rollout of online services and transparency in regulatory communications suggests that PIA is focusing on restoring consumer trust and modernizing its operations.
