Pakistan’s National Airline to Resume Flights to Europe

Lifting of Four-Year Ban Marks a Major Milestone for Pakistan International Airline

Pakistan’s beleaguered national airline, Pakistan International Airline (PIA), will resume flights to Europe on January 10 after European Union authorities lifted a four-year ban on the carrier. The airline made the announcement in a statement on Saturday.

Initial Flights to Paris

According to the statement, a PIA flight will depart from Islamabad to Paris on January 10. Initially, two flights will be operated weekly (on Friday and Sunday), which will gradually be increased.

Background on the Ban

PIA was barred from flying to the EU in June 2020, a month after one of its aircraft plunged into a street in the southern city of Karachi, 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.

Current Status

The airline remains banned from operating in the United States. After Europe’s ban was lifted last week, a spokesman for the carrier said they would “strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines”, referring to the European Union’s aviation authority.

Challenges Facing the Airline

PIA, which employs 7,000 people, has long been accused of being bloated and poorly run — hobbled by unpaid bills, a poor safety record, and regulatory issues. Pakistan’s government has said it is committed to privatising the debt-ridden airline and has been scrambling to find a buyer.

Privatisation Efforts

Last month, a deal fell through after a potential buyer reportedly offered a fraction of the asking price. The sale was also part of IMF demands in exchange for aid programmes, including the privatisation of public companies, establishing a broader tax base, and ending subsidies for the 40 percent of Pakistanis who live below the poverty line.

Financial Performance

In 2023, PIA had losses of $270 million according to local media. Its liabilities were nearly $3 billion, about five times the total worth of its assets. Last year, dozens of flights were cancelled when it could not afford fuel for its planes.

Aviation Minister’s Comments

While speaking to reporters last week, Pakistan’s aviation minister Khawaja Asif called the restoration of flights to Europe a “major value addition” that will make the airline more attractive to potential buyers.

History of the Airline

PIA came into being in 1955 when the government nationalised a loss-making commercial airline and it enjoyed rapid growth until the 1990s.

Conclusion

The lifting of the ban on PIA’s flights to Europe marks a significant milestone for the airline, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years. While the airline still faces significant financial and operational challenges, the restoration of flights to Europe provides a glimmer of hope for its future.

FAQs

Q: Why was PIA banned from flying to Europe?
A: PIA was banned from flying to Europe in June 2020 after one of its aircraft plunged into a street in Karachi, killing nearly 100 people.

Q: What is the current status of PIA’s flights to Europe?
A: PIA will resume flights to Europe on January 10, with initial flights to Paris.

Q: What are the challenges facing PIA?
A: PIA faces significant financial and operational challenges, including unpaid bills, a poor safety record, and regulatory issues.

Q: Is PIA still banned from flying to the United States?
A: Yes, PIA remains banned from operating in the United States.

Q: What is the future of PIA?
A: The airline is committed to privatisation and is seeking a buyer to help it recover from its financial and operational challenges.