Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced on Sunday its plans to resume European routes soon, targeting several destinations in the UK after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted its ban on the flag carrier. The suspension, which began in June 2020, stemmed from concerns regarding the compliance of Pakistani authorities and the Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) with international aviation standards.
PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan indicated that the airline intends to approach the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) for route resumption, noting that EASA clearance is a prerequisite for such decisions. The ban followed an investigation into the validity of pilots’ licenses after a tragic plane crash in Pakistan that resulted in 97 fatalities.
Khan stated that PIA anticipates resuming flights to Europe, starting with Paris, within the next three to four weeks. Upon receiving approval for UK routes, London, Manchester, and Birmingham are expected to be among the most popular destinations.
The airline, which is seeking to sell a 60 percent stake, pressed EASA for a provisional lifting of the ban, which has cost PIA approximately 40 billion rupees ($144 million) annually in lost revenue. Despite past financial struggles, Khan assured that the airline has sufficient cash flow to explore new routes, with decisions on leasing additional aircraft pending the completion of government privatization talks.
Currently, PIA holds a 23 percent share of Pakistan’s domestic aviation market. However, its 34-plane fleet struggles to compete with Middle Eastern carriers, which dominate with a 60 percent market share, largely due to a lack of direct flights, despite agreements with 87 countries.
Khan expressed optimism that the resumption of European and upcoming UK routes will enhance PIA’s revenue potential and increase its value during the privatization process
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