Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) stated on Sunday that it expects to resume its European routes soon, with a particular focus on several UK destinations, after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted its ban on the flag carrier.
The ban was imposed in June 2020, when concerns arose about the ability of Pakistani authorities and its Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) to ensure compliance with international aviation standards. This action followed an investigation into the validity of pilots’ licenses after a deadly plane crash in which 97 people lost their lives.
PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the airline plans to approach the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to the UK. Since the EASA clearance is required for the UK, Khan mentioned that PIA hopes to start flights to Paris within the next three to four weeks.
Following approval for UK flights, the airline is targeting London, Manchester, and Birmingham as key destinations. The lifting of the ban is a significant step for PIA, which had suffered annual losses of 40 billion rupees ($144 million) due to the restrictions.
Khan also mentioned that the airline has sufficient funds to explore new routes, although decisions on leasing new aircraft will depend on the outcome of ongoing privatization talks. PIA currently holds a 23% share of Pakistan’s domestic aviation market, but struggles to compete with Middle Eastern carriers, which dominate the region with a 60% market share.
The government’s attempt to privatize PIA faced setbacks, receiving only one bid, far below its asking price.
