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PIA Resumes European Flights After Four-And-A-Half-Year Ban
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) takes off to Europe after a 4.5-year ban! With flights resuming to Paris, PIA hopes to regain its wings and attract potential buyers.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-10
PIA Resumes European Flights After Four-And-A-Half-Year Ban

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed its flights to Europe, marking a significant milestone after a four-and-a-half-year ban imposed by European regulators was finally lifted.

The first flight departed from Islamabad on Friday at 12:40 pm, heading to Paris, making PIA the only carrier to offer direct flights between Pakistan and the European Union. This development follows years of turbulence for the state-owned airline, which has been plagued by safety issues, financial struggles, and regulatory challenges.

A Long Road to Recovery
PIA was banned in June 2020 from flying to the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States after an Airbus A-320 crash in Karachi’s Model Colony claimed nearly 100 lives. Investigations attributed the crash to human error by pilots and air traffic controllers, further compounded by revelations that nearly a third of PIA’s pilots had dubious or fake licences.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted the ban on November 29, citing “sufficient confidence” in the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority. However, PIA remains barred from operating in the UK and US.

Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif hailed the restoration of flights to Europe as a “major value addition” for the airline, which has long been burdened by mounting losses and safety concerns.

Passenger Reactions
Many passengers were both excited and apprehensive about flying with PIA after its long hiatus in Europe. Shumaila Rana, a school teacher traveling to Germany, said, “This is the first time I am traveling with PIA. I’m nervous but hoping for a smooth flight.”

The Airline’s Troubled Legacy
PIA has a troubled history of accidents, including a 2016 flight from Chitral to Islamabad that burst into flames, killing over 40 people. The airline also faces accusations of being poorly managed, bloated with excess staff, and riddled with regulatory issues.

Currently, PIA employs 7,000 people but struggles under the weight of $3 billion in liabilities—five times the value of its assets. In 2023 alone, the airline posted losses of $270 million. Financial woes have even led to the cancellation of domestic flights due to a lack of fuel.

Privatisation Hopes
To make the airline more appealing to investors, the government plans to transfer PIA’s losses to a holding company, freeing the airline of liabilities. While a privatisation deal fell through last year, officials hope that reopening European routes will boost its selling potential.

The government anticipates that the UK may soon follow the EU in lifting its ban, further enhancing PIA’s marketability.

A Glimpse of the Past
Founded in 1955 after the nationalisation of a struggling private airline, PIA experienced rapid growth until the 1990s. However, decades of mismanagement and financial woes have left the airline struggling to reclaim its former glory.

As PIA takes its first steps back into the European market, the airline faces immense pressure to uphold safety standards and regain passenger trust while navigating the challenges of privatisation.
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