PIA launches ‘Azadi Discount’ for local and international travel

PIA announces discounted ticket prices in celebration of the ’14th of August’, the country’s 77th Independence Day.

PIA passengers traveling from Pakistan to Canada or within the country will receive up to a 14% discount. Tickets booked by August 14 can be used for travel until November 14.

PIA spokesperson Abdullah Khan told Urdu News that the airline decided to reduce ticket prices for the 14th of August, Independence Day. He mentioned that the airline aims to provide its passengers with excellent travel services at reasonable prices.

According to PIA spokesperson, the sale of discounted tickets has begun, with tickets purchased by August 14 being valid for travel until November 14.

This PIA offer is available only for passengers traveling to Toronto, Canada, and for domestic travel within Pakistan. It does not apply to travelers heading to destinations such as Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates.

PIA operates five flights per week between Pakistan and Toronto.

PIA, the financially struggling national airline has previously offered similar promotions on various occasions to attract passengers. Recently, PIA has faced significant losses due to the suspension of its operations to Europe, which was a profitable route for the airline.

Following a statement about Pakistani pilots’ licenses, Europe imposed restrictions on PIA and other airlines, which remain in effect. Despite ongoing efforts by the Civil Aviation Authority and PIA for the past four years, the ban on Pakistani airlines persists.

Nadeem Sharif, a leader of the Pakistan Travel Agents Association, stated that PIA needs to restore its lost reputation. He noted that PIA was once a benchmark for global airlines, but now airlines that began operations with PIA’s aircraft have surpassed it.

Sharif commented that the announcement of discounted tickets for Independence Day is a marketing strategy. While it’s positive that PIA is offering good facilities to passengers, it would have been better if PIA had extended this offer to destinations in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Gulf countries, as these are popular routes for Pakistani travelers.

Airlines from other countries are attracting passengers to these destinations with attractive offers.

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