Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed its flights to Europe, marking a significant milestone after a lengthy absence of over four years.
The airline's first flight to Paris, PK 749, departed from Islamabad on Friday, and the flight was fully booked, reflecting renewed confidence in the carrier’s services. The restoration of these European routes is seen as a promising development for PIA, which has faced a number of challenges in recent years.
In 2020, PIA’s European operations were suspended due to concerns over safety standards, particularly following a scandal involving pilots' qualifications.
The airline was accused of employing pilots with invalid licenses, a revelation that led to a ban by both the European Union and the UK, halting PIA’s operations in the region.
The suspension had a severe financial impact on the airline, costing it hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue annually.
Speaking at the airport before the flight's departure, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized the importance of the airline’s return to European skies.
He acknowledged the difficulties PIA had faced, particularly the closure of profitable routes that had hurt its financial stability.
The minister also highlighted how PIA had historically played an essential role in assisting overseas Pakistanis, such as by repatriating the bodies of deceased citizens without charge—a service that had been discontinued due to the airline's struggles.
Khawaja Asif expressed optimism about PIA’s future, indicating that the resumption of flights to Paris was just the first step in a broader strategy to revitalize the airline.
He confirmed that direct flights to the UK would be introduced shortly, further extending the airline’s reach.
In addition, the minister suggested that privatizing PIA could be a viable option to help secure the airline’s long-term viability.
The successful launch of PIA’s Paris flights is seen as a crucial step in the airline’s recovery, with the first journey carrying 323 passengers.
The airline plans to operate two flights per week to Paris and offers competitive fares. This marks a return to Europe just months after the European aviation authorities lifted the ban, paving the way for PIA’s comeback in the region.
The revival of the Islamabad-Paris route comes after the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) officially lifted the restrictions on Pakistani airlines flying to EU nations. These restrictions had been in place for over four years but were recently rescinded, paving the way for PIA to reinstate its flights to Europe and the United Kingdom.
This move enhances connectivity and provides greater travel opportunities for passengers.
