PIA to resume Europe flights in January after EU lifts ban
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to resume flights to Europe in January 2024 after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted a ban imposed in June 2020. The suspension had been enforced due to safety concerns and a pilot license scandal that surfaced following a tragic plane crash in Karachi, which claimed 97 lives.
The first approved flight is scheduled for January 10, 2024, to Paris, utilizing a Boeing 777. Bookings for the flight will open on December 9, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed.
Also Read:
PIA also plans to approach the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) for permission to resume flights to London, Manchester, and Birmingham. These routes are expected to attract high demand from the Pakistani diaspora and other travelers.
The suspension cost PIA an estimated 40 billion rupees ($144 million) annually, significantly affecting the loss-making airline’s revenues. With a 34-plane fleet, PIA holds a 23% share of Pakistan’s domestic aviation market but has struggled to compete with Middle Eastern carriers, which dominate 60% of the market due to better services and direct flights.
The national flag carrier operates under agreements with 87 countries and holds valuable landing slots, but its operations have been constrained by the suspension and fleet limitations.
Also See: Cheap Flights Booking in Pakistan
Efforts to privatize PIA recently stalled, as the only offer received was far below the asking price. This setback highlights ongoing challenges for the airline as it attempts to restructure and regain its financial footing.
Read all the Breaking News Live on pakistantimes.com and Get Latest English News & Updates from Pakistan Times. Follow us on Whatsapp channel for more.
