PIA to Resume Flights to Europe in January, Starting with Paris
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced on Friday that it will resume flights to Europe in January, beginning with a flight to Paris, following the lifting of a ban by the EU aviation regulator.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) suspended PIA’s operations in June 2020 due to concerns over Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority’s compliance with international aviation standards. The suspension followed a scandal involving the validity of pilots’ licenses after a tragic plane crash that claimed 97 lives.
PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed the airline’s plans, stating, “We have received approval for the first flight schedule we submitted.” Bookings will open on December 9 for the January 10 Boeing 777 flight to Paris.
PIA also plans to seek approval from Britain’s Department for Transport (DfT) to reinstate routes to the UK, with London, Manchester, and Birmingham as priority destinations once clearance is granted.
The suspension caused significant financial losses, costing PIA approximately 40 billion rupees ($144 million) annually. Despite holding 23% of Pakistan’s domestic aviation market and key landing rights in 87 countries, PIA’s 34-plane fleet struggles to compete with Middle Eastern carriers, which dominate 60% of the market due to more direct flight options.
Efforts to privatize the loss-making airline have also faced setbacks, with only one offer received, falling short of expectations.
In a related development, PIA recently announced discounts on select international routes.
