Pakistan International AirlinesPK

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is the flag carrier of Pakistan and one of Asia's oldest airlines, founded in 1946. Headquartered in Karachi, PIA operates a fleet of approximately 30 aircraft including Boeing 777-200ER/300ER, Airbus A320, and ATR 72 turboprops, serving over 40 destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

Once considered one of the premier airlines in Asia during the 1960s-1970s, PIA has faced significant challenges in recent decades including financial difficulties and operational issues. In July 2020, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) banned PIA from operating to EU destinations following concerns about pilot licensing after approximately 30% of Pakistani pilot licenses were found to be fraudulent or suspicious. The ban was partially lifted in 2024, allowing PIA to resume limited European operations.

Despite these challenges, PIA remains essential infrastructure for Pakistan, connecting the diaspora communities in the Middle East, UK, and North America with their homeland. The airline operates significant pilgrimage traffic to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 16" x 12" x 6" (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
• Must fit under the seat in front of you
• Examples: Handbag, laptop bag, camera bag

Cabin Bag (overhead bin):

• Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 10" (55 x 35 x 25 cm) including handles and wheels
• Weight limit varies by class

Class	Cabin Bag Weight
Economy	7 kg (15 lbs)
Business	10 kg (22 lbs)

Checked Baggage

Standard Size Limit: 62 linear inches / 158 cm (length + width + height)

Domestic Flights (within Pakistan):

Fare Class	Bags Included	Weight Limit
Economy	1 bag	20 kg (44 lbs)
Business	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

International Flights:

Fare Class	Bags Included	Weight Limit
Economy	1 bag	30 kg (66 lbs)
Business	2 bags	40 kg (88 lbs) each

Route-Specific Allowances:

• Middle East routes (DXB, JED, RUH, etc.): Economy typically 30 kg
• UK routes (LHR, MAN): Economy 30 kg (when operating)
• North America (YYZ): Economy 2 x 23 kg (piece concept)
• China routes (PEK, CAN): Economy 30 kg

Excess Baggage Fees

Domestic:

• PKR 450-600 per kg over allowance
• Prepaid online rates available

International:

• Varies by route: $10-25 USD per kg
• Middle East routes: approximately $15 USD per kg
• Long-haul routes: approximately $20-25 USD per kg

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard	Counts as checked bag
Skis	Standard	Within size limits
Car seat	Free	For traveling infants
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	Free	Assistive devices always free
Unaccompanied minor fee	PKR 5,000 + fare	Age 5-12 domestic, 5-15 international

Fees subject to change. Verify at piac.com.pk/baggage-policy before traveling.

PIA operates a mixed fleet with varying cabin products depending on aircraft type and route.

Business Class (Executive Class):

Boeing 777-200ER/300ER (long-haul):

• 2-3-2 configuration
• 48-50" pitch with significant recline
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Lounge access at Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad

Airbus A320 (regional):

• 2-2 configuration in front cabin
• Recliner seats with enhanced pitch
• Premium meal service

Economy Class:

Boeing 777:

• 3-3-3 configuration
• 32-34" pitch
• Personal seatback entertainment on most aircraft
• Complimentary meals on all flights

Airbus A320:

• 3-3 configuration
• 30-32" pitch
• Overhead entertainment or streaming on newer aircraft

ATR 72 (domestic):

• 2-2 configuration
• Turboprop for short domestic routes
• Light snack service

Entertainment:

• Personal screens on Boeing 777 fleet
• Selection of Pakistani, Indian, and international content
• Limited selection compared to Gulf carriers

Dining:

• Complimentary meals on all flights
• Pakistani cuisine featured prominently (biryani, curry options)
• Special meals available with 24-hour advance notice
• Halal food served on all flights

WiFi:

• Not available on most aircraft

Booking:

• Book directly on piac.com.pk for easier changes and support
• Compare with online travel agencies for pricing
• Consider Business Class on long-haul for lie-flat comfort
• Student fares available with valid documentation

Route Considerations:

• PIA does not currently operate to most EU destinations due to previous safety ban
• UK operations (Manchester, London) resumed in 2024 on limited basis
• For European travel, consider connecting via Middle Eastern hubs
• Strong network to Middle East serving Pakistani diaspora

At the Airport:

• KHI: International flights from Jinnah Terminal
• ISB: Modern airport with better facilities than older Pakistani airports
• Allow extra time for security procedures
• PIA lounges available for Business Class passengers

Baggage Tips:

• International Economy allowance (30 kg) is generous compared to Western carriers
• Pack carefully for connections involving other airlines (may have lower limits)
• Verify current allowance for your specific route at booking

Middle East Travel:

• PIA operates frequent flights to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait
• Strong competition from Gulf carriers on these routes
• Compare total value including baggage when booking

What to Know:

• Fleet and service quality varies significantly by aircraft
• Boeing 777 offers the best experience on long-haul routes
• Domestic ATR flights are basic but functional
• Meal service is complimentary but basic compared to Gulf competitors
• WiFi connectivity not available on most flights

For Pilgrims:

• PIA operates significant Hajj and Umrah traffic
• Book well in advance for Hajj season
• Special pilgrimage packages available through PIA
• Group bookings handled through designated agents

Current Situation:

• The airline has faced financial challenges and is undergoing restructuring
• Service levels and reliability have been affected
• Government ownership being considered for privatization
• Check recent reviews before long-haul bookings