Pakistan’s State-Owned Airline Resumes Flights to Europe
After Four-Year Ban, PIA Returns to EU Skies
Pakistan’s state-owned airline, plagued by a history of deadly crashes and a pilot licence scandal, resumed flights to Europe on Friday after a four-year ban was lifted by EU regulators. The Pakistan International Airlines flight took off from Islamabad around 1240 pm (0740 GMT) heading for Paris, becoming the only carrier to offer a direct route to and from the European Union.
First Flight Since Ban
Passenger Shumaila Rana, a 38-year-old school teacher living in Germany, was among those on the inaugural flight. "This is the first time I am travelling with PIA," she said. "I’m nervous and I’m having a lot of anxiety, but I’m hoping it’s gonna be a good flight."
Ban Lifted After Crash and Scandal
Debt-ridden PIA was banned in June 2020 from flying to the European Union, United Kingdom, and the United States, a month after one of its Airbus A-320s plunged into a Karachi street, killing nearly 100 people. The disaster was attributed to human error by the pilots and air traffic control, and was followed by allegations that nearly a third of the licences for its pilots were fake or dubious.
Challenges Ahead
The airline flies to multiple cities inside Pakistan, including the mountainous north, as well as to the Gulf and Southeast Asia. However, it faces significant challenges, including its debt-ridden status, poor safety record, and regulatory issues. PIA, which employs 7,000 people, has long been accused of being bloated and poorly run.
Privatisation Hopes
Pakistan’s government has said it is committed to privatising the debt-ridden airline and has been scrambling to find a buyer. Late last year, a deal fell through after a potential buyer reportedly offered a fraction of the asking price. The government hopes the opening of European routes, which officials expect will be followed by a similar announcement by the UK later this year, will boost its selling potential.
Financial Struggles
PIA posted losses of $270 million in 2023, according to local media. Its liabilities were nearly $3 billion, about five times the total worth of its assets. In the same year, amid a national economic crisis, dozens of domestic flights were cancelled when it could not afford fuel for its planes.
A Brief History
PIA came into being in 1955 when the government nationalised a loss-making commercial airline, and enjoyed rapid growth until the 1990s.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s state-owned airline has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including a ban from flying to the EU, UK, and US, and a pilot licence scandal. While the lifting of the ban is a positive step, the airline still faces significant hurdles, including its debt-ridden status and poor safety record. As the airline looks to the future, it is hoped that privatisation will bring much-needed change and improvement to its operations.
FAQs
- What was the reason for the ban on PIA flights to the EU, UK, and US?
The ban was lifted after the airline improved its safety record and regulatory compliance. - How many people were killed in the 2020 plane crash in Karachi?
Nearly 100 people were killed in the crash. - What is the current financial status of PIA?
PIA is debt-ridden, with losses of $270 million in 2023 and liabilities of nearly $3 billion. - What is the plan for the privatisation of PIA?
The Pakistani government is committed to privatising the airline and has been searching for a buyer.