Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume its European flights soon, following the lifting of a ban by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The airline is also eyeing several destinations in the United Kingdom after the ban was lifted.
In June 2020, EASA suspended PIA’s authorization to operate within the EU over concerns regarding the ability of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) to ensure compliance with international aviation standards. This suspension followed an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses after a tragic plane crash in Pakistan that claimed 97 lives.
PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan stated that the airline plans to approach the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) for approval to resume its UK routes. He emphasized that clearance from EASA is necessary for the DfT’s decision.
Khan expressed confidence that PIA will soon resume flights to European destinations, beginning with Paris, within the next three to four weeks. Following approval for UK routes, the airline is expected to target major cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
The airline and the Pakistani government, which is working on privatizing a 60% stake in PIA, had urged EASA to lift the ban, which has cost the airline approximately 40 billion rupees ($144 million) in annual revenue.
Khan further noted that PIA has adequate cash flow to introduce new routes. However, decisions on leasing new aircraft will be made once privatization discussions are finalized. Despite operating a 34-plane fleet, PIA holds only a 23% share in Pakistan’s domestic aviation market, far behind Middle Eastern carriers which dominate with a 60% market share, largely due to the lack of direct flights.
The government’s attempt to privatize the airline had failed to generate significant interest, as only one bid was received, and it was below the expected price.
With the resumption of European and upcoming UK routes, PIA is optimistic about increasing its revenue potential and, consequently, its value in the privatization process, Khan concluded.
