ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the state-run airline, has officially resumed direct flights to Europe after a four-year suspension. The move follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency's (EASA) decision to lift the ban imposed on PIA over safety concerns.
Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif inaugurated the direct flights to Paris on Friday, marking a significant milestone for the airline. Addressing the inaugural ceremony, he announced plans to expand PIA's operations to other European destinations soon.
Historic Takeoff from Islamabad
The inaugural flight from Islamabad to Paris was fully booked, carrying more than 300 passengers. PIA has launched this route with special branding, including a livery featuring the Eiffel Tower and the slogan "I Love Paris." The refurbished Boeing 777 aircraft meets all EU aviation standards and now operates with enhanced features, including a wireless entertainment system for passengers.
Background of the Ban
The European Union's ban on PIA was imposed in 2020 following a tragic crash in Karachi that claimed 97 lives. Then-Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan revealed during the crash investigation that nearly one-third of Pakistani pilots had falsified their credentials. This revelation led to international scrutiny of Pakistan's aviation industry.
Khawaja Asif criticized the former aviation minister's comments, attributing significant financial and reputational damage to the statement. He noted that, over the last four and a half years, Pakistanis faced higher travel costs as they relied on alternative airlines.
PIA's Financial Challenges
Highlighting the airline's struggles, the defense minister stated that PIA has incurred massive losses amounting to hundreds of billions of rupees. The airline currently holds a debt of 800 billion rupees, with several profitable routes remaining non-operational.
Despite these challenges, the government and aviation authorities worked diligently to meet international safety standards, enabling the airline to regain approval from the European Union.
Future Expansion Plans
PIA has announced twice-weekly flights between Islamabad and Paris, operating on Fridays and Sundays. With high demand reported, the first two flights were fully booked, particularly appealing to the large Pakistani community in France. Khawaja Asif also shared plans to extend services to the United Kingdom soon, signaling further growth in international operations.
Gwadar's First International Flight
In a parallel development, Pakistan’s largest airport in Gwadar, funded by China, saw its first international flight depart later the same day. Located in Balochistan province, the airport is a key part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, linking a deep-sea port and airport with China via road infrastructure.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed flights to Europe and the UK following the European Aviation Safety Agency's (EASA) decision to lift a four-year ban on Pakistani airlines operating in EU countries. This recent development allows PIA to reestablish its presence in these regions.
As part of its efforts to upgrade its fleet, PIA has brought back an ATR aircraft that was previously in long-term storage. PIA is also making significant efforts to improve its flight punctuality. The airline has set a goal of achieving a 90% on-time performance rate, which it reportedly meets consistently on a daily basis, according to a company spokesperson.
This dual progress reflects Pakistan's commitment to revitalizing its aviation sector and strengthening global connectivity.