PIA Suspends Flights to Canada for Three Weeks

For thousands of travelers who rely on PIA flights to Canada, the national carrier’s recent announcement has come as an unwelcome surprise. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has temporarily suspended all pia flights from Pakistan to Canada for three weeks, citing mandatory maintenance work on its long-haul Boeing 777 fleet.

The suspension, which took effect in September 2025, affects passengers flying between major Pakistani cities and Canada, a route heavily used by the Pakistani diaspora. While the news has left many scrambling to adjust their travel plans, PIA insists the decision was unavoidable—and ultimately in the best interest of passenger safety.

Why the Flights Are Grounded

At the heart of this disruption is the Boeing 777, PIA’s backbone for long-distance routes. These aircraft have now reached the 10-year mark, which means they are due for an extensive technical inspection. Aviation rules require airlines to perform these overhauls, which involve replacing key components and checking systems that endure heavy wear during long intercontinental flights.

In simpler terms, the planes need a thorough “health check-up.” Without this, the risk of in-flight issues increases, something no airline—or passenger—can afford. A senior PIA official explained that the work takes about three weeks per aircraft, during which time the planes cannot operate.

Impact on Passengers

The temporary halt of PIA flights to Canada has left many travelers disappointed. Canada is home to one of the largest Pakistani communities abroad, and flights between the two countries are usually packed with students, families, and business travelers.

For some, the timing couldn’t be worse. September is when many students return to Canadian universities, and families often plan reunions before the winter. “I booked my ticket months ago, and suddenly the flight is canceled,” said Ali, a passenger from Lahore who was supposed to travel to Toronto. “Now I have to look for another option, and prices are much higher.”

PIA has promised that passengers with bookings on the affected routes will be offered refunds or rescheduled flights once operations resume. However, not everyone can afford to wait three weeks, especially those with fixed commitments abroad.

PIA flights schedule to Canada

Departure Airport (Pakistan)	Destination Airport (Canada)	Frequency (Weekly)	Typical Aircraft	Notes
Islamabad International Airport (ISB)	Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)	3–4 flights	Boeing 777	Main direct route, most popular among Pakistani diaspora in Toronto.
Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE)	Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)	2–3 flights	Boeing 777	Often seasonal adjustments; used heavily by students and families.
Karachi Jinnah International Airport (KHI)	Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)	1–2 flights	Boeing 777	Less frequent compared to Islamabad and Lahore due to demand.

While frustrating for passengers, aviation experts believe PIA made the right call. Mandatory maintenance checks at the 10-year mark are standard practice across the airline industry. They are designed to ensure the safety of both passengers and crew, especially on long-haul flights crossing oceans and continents.

“Delaying these overhauls is simply not an option,” said an aviation analyst based in Karachi. “For an airline like PIA, which has already faced scrutiny in the past, prioritizing safety is essential. It may inconvenience people now, but it builds trust in the long run.”

Not the First Adjustment

This isn’t the first time PIA has had to adjust its international schedule. Earlier this year, the airline temporarily suspended its Lahore-Paris route due to low demand while boosting services to the UK. The latest pause on PIA flights from Pakistan to Canada reflects the constant balancing act PIA faces as it tries to rebuild its global network while managing limited resources.

Despite challenges, PIA has slowly regained momentum in Europe and the UK after past bans and restrictions. The carrier is now focused on strengthening its reputation by maintaining a safer, more reliable fleet.

How Passengers Can Cope

For those affected by the suspension of pia flights to Canada, options are limited but not impossible. There are so many online flight booking websites such as Trips.pk where you can explore other options of airlines. Many are turning to connecting flights via the Middle East, with airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines offering alternatives. However, these come at a higher price point, especially with short-notice bookings.

Travel agents in Pakistan suggest passengers keep in close contact with PIA offices to secure refunds or rebookings. They also advise flexibility in travel dates, as availability on alternate carriers is tight.

PIA Flights will resume after this overhaul

The good news is that the suspension is temporary. Once the three-week maintenance period is complete, PIA plans to resume regular pia flights from Pakistan to Canada, with the upgraded Boeing 777s back in service. Officials believe this short-term pain will ultimately translate into smoother, safer, and more reliable operations for years to come.

A spokesperson for PIA emphasized, “We regret the inconvenience caused to our valued passengers, but safety comes first. After this maintenance, travelers can look forward to improved service and reliability on our Canada route.”

PIA flights to Canada will Start Again

For PIA, the suspension is more than a technical requirement—it’s also a test of public trust. The airline has faced criticism in the past for delays, cancellations, and regulatory issues. How it manages passenger support during these three weeks could determine whether it regains or loses further goodwill among its loyal travelers.

For now, passengers wait—some anxiously, some impatiently—for the national carrier to bring back its much-needed pia flights to Canada. With proper communication and timely resumption of services, PIA has the chance to show that safety and reliability can go hand in hand with customer care.

The suspension of pia flights from Pakistan to Canada is undeniably inconvenient for thousands of passengers. Yet, at its core, the decision reflects PIA’s renewed commitment to safety and long-term reliability. For an airline striving to rebuild its international image, ensuring that its Boeing 777s are in top condition may be the best investment it can make.

In three weeks’ time, if all goes according to plan, PIA passengers will once again board their flights to Toronto and beyond—this time with the assurance that the planes carrying them across continents are safer than ever.

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