Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced that its flights to Europe will resume in January, starting with Paris, following the lifting of the ban by the European Union’s aviation regulator.
PIA’s operations in the European Union were suspended in June 2020 due to concerns that Pakistani authorities and the Civil Aviation Authority might fail to ensure compliance with international aviation standards.
PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan stated that approval has been obtained for the schedule of the first flight. He further added that the airline will open bookings on December 9 for the January 10 flight, which will depart for Paris via a Boeing 777.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the UK had suspended PIA’s flight permissions in the region when Pakistan began investigations into the legality of pilots’ licenses following a plane crash.
Abdullah Hafeez Khan also mentioned that PIA will soon contact the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) regarding permission to resume routes to the UK.
He further said that after DfT’s approval, London, Manchester, and Birmingham will be the most sought-after destinations.
Due to the ban, the loss-making airline suffered an annual loss of 40 billion rupees (144 million dollars).
PIA holds a 23% share of Pakistan’s domestic aviation market, but its fleet of 34 aircraft cannot compete with international airlines, which hold 60% of the market share. Despite agreements and landing slot deals with 87 countries, the national airline lacks direct international flights.
Pakistan’s attempt to privatize PIA failed when it received only one offer, which was far below its desired value.
