Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume flights to Europe starting January 10, after a four-year ban was lifted by the European Union. The announcement was made in a statement on Saturday.
The airline, which faced scrutiny over a pilot license scandal, revealed that its first flight will operate from Islamabad to Paris on January 10.
Initial Schedule and Future Plans
Initially, PIA will run two weekly flights, on Fridays and Sundays. The airline plans to gradually increase the frequency of flights in the future.
Reasons Behind the Ban
The EU banned PIA from its airspace in June 2020, shortly after a tragic crash in Karachi claimed nearly 100 lives. Investigations attributed the disaster to human error by both the pilots and air traffic control. Further controversy emerged when it was discovered that around one-third of PIA’s pilots had questionable or fake licenses.
Although the EU ban has now been lifted, PIA remains restricted from operating in the United States.
Commitment to Regulations
Following the EU’s decision, a PIA spokesperson emphasized that the airline would strictly follow the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations and guidelines.
Challenges Facing PIA
PIA, employing 7,000 people, has been criticized for inefficiency, poor management, and financial troubles. In 2023, the airline reported losses of $270 million, with liabilities nearing $3 billion—five times its total assets. Flights were often canceled due to a lack of fuel, further worsening its financial state.
Privatization Efforts and IMF Involvement
The government of Pakistan is working to privatize the struggling airline to meet conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These conditions include the sale of public companies, expanding the tax base, and ending subsidies for the 40% of Pakistanis living below the poverty line.
However, efforts to sell PIA have faced setbacks. A recent deal fell apart when a buyer offered far less than the asking price.
Restoring European Flights: A Positive Step
Pakistan’s Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif described the resumption of European flights as a “major value addition,” expressing hope that it would attract potential buyers for the airline.
PIA’s Legacy
Founded in 1955 after the nationalization of a struggling private airline, PIA experienced rapid growth through the 1990s. However, financial mismanagement and safety concerns have overshadowed its legacy in recent decades.
