After a four-year suspension, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has officially lifted its airspace ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), allowing the troubled airline to resume flights to Europe. PIA’s first scheduled flight is set to depart from Islamabad to Paris on January 10, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the carrier.
Initially, PIA will operate two weekly flights to Paris, with plans to gradually expand services. Bookings for these flights have opened on December 9, according to PIA officials. The airline is also in discussions with the UK Civil Aviation Authority to resume flights to destinations such as London, Manchester, and Glasgow, with approvals anticipated “in the near future.”
The EU ban was imposed in June 2020 following a fatal crash in Karachi that killed nearly 100 people, compounded by revelations that a third of PIA pilots held fake or dubious licenses. The crash was attributed to human error, sparking a global outcry over the airline’s safety and operational standards.
PIA, which employs 7,000 staff, has faced severe financial difficulties, reporting $270 million in losses in 2023 and carrying liabilities nearing $3 billion—five times its total assets. The airline’s long-haul operations are currently limited to Toronto and Beijing, while its regional network focuses on the Middle East.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s government sees the restoration of European flights as a key step toward privatising the debt-laden airline. Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif described the EASA decision as a “major value addition,” positioning the airline to attract potential buyers. However, a recent privatisation deal fell through when a prospective buyer offered far less than the asking price.
PIA has pledged to comply fully with EASA’s regulations to rebuild its reputation and regain passenger trust. The government has also emphasised its commitment to privatisation as part of broader economic reforms under International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions, including reducing subsidies and expanding the tax base.
While PIA remains barred from operating in the United States, the airline hopes its return to European skies will mark the beginning of a turnaround for its troubled operations.
