In November of last year, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency removed its ban on Pakistan International Airlines, allowing the airline to resume services within the European Union. That approval was fulfilled last week, when the airline flew its first flight to Europe since 2020, arriving in Paris on Friday, January 10, 2025.
A start on the road to redemption
On January 10, Pakistan International Airlines flight PK749 took off at 12:40 from Islamabad International Airport (ISB) and arrived at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 16:40. The operation was operated by a 2000 Boeing 777-200ER registered AP-BGK and MSN 33776, which left Paris at 20:32 and arrived in Islamabad at 07:24 on Saturday.
In June 2020, EASA suspended Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)’s permit to operate in the EU. EASA reached the decision because it was concerned about Pakistan’s ability to ensure conformity with international norms, as did the aviation authorities in the United Kingdom and the United States.
No Pakistani clearance yet from the UK and US regulators
This last distinction is significant because, while the EU has reopened its skies to PIA, UK and US regulators have not yet granted the same permission. Until that happens, PIA will be unable to travel to the United Kingdom or the United States, while 24NewsHD reported on January 2 that the airline will restart direct flights to the UK in February.
According to the outlet, “sources” have revealed that a delegation from the UK Department of Transport will visit Pakistan from January 15 to 17. It further stated that the UK Civil Aviation Authority had granted a request for an exemption from the security audit, and that the audits of the PIA and Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority would “now only be a formality.”
Following the arrival of the maiden aircraft, Pakistan International Airlines organized a roadshow in Paris, which was attended by Pakistani people as well as travel agencies from France and Europe.
According to Arab News, PIA stated that the Pakistani community requested that the airline fly to other European cities as well, and that since the introduction of the Paris service, “a clear decrease is being observed in the fares of other airlines operating to Pakistan.”
The airline also stated that, based on the comments collected during the roadshow, it will improve its service quality and match consumers’ expectations. During the event, PIA Chief Commercial Officer Nausherwan Adil provided an unusual response:
“Compatriots living abroad have given PIA a response beyond expectations. PIA will expand its network in Europe on a commercial basis.”
The only mention of resuming services to the UK was in the Arab News piece, which dealt with the airline’s privatization and sale. According to the source, the Pakistani government hopes that the opening of European lines, which officials expect to be followed by a similar announcement from the United Kingdom later this year, will improve PIA’s selling potential.
The Pakistani government has made it obvious that it wants to privatize the debt-ridden airline, and it has gone to great lengths to locate a suitable buyer at a price it considers reasonable. According to the article, a promising sale fell through late last year after a possible buyer offered only a fraction of the government’s asking price.
Buyers are not queuing up, which is not unexpected given that the airline employs over 7,000 people and has long been accused of being bloated and badly managed, with unpaid invoices, a terrible safety record, and regulatory concerns. In 2023, the airline lost $270 million, and its liabilities were about $3 billion, or roughly five times the value of its assets.
FAQ
Why is Pakistan International Airlines considering flights to Manchester and London?
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is considering flights to Manchester and London following the successful relaunch of its Paris route. The airline aims to expand its international network and enhance connectivity for passengers traveling to and from the United Kingdom and Europe.
What was the reason behind the Paris route relaunch?
The Paris route relaunch was part of PIA’s strategy to rebuild and grow its European network. The airline sought to increase its market share in Europe by offering more convenient flight options to major cities, such as Paris, as part of their broader expansion plans.
Which cities will Pakistan International Airlines serve with the new potential flights?
Pakistan International Airlines is exploring flights to Manchester and London, two key cities in the United Kingdom, following the successful relaunch of its Paris route. These new routes will provide better connectivity for travelers between Pakistan and the UK, as well as other parts of Europe.
How would new flights to Manchester and London benefit passengers?
The new flights to Manchester and London would benefit passengers by offering more options for direct travel between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. This would help cater to the demand for convenient international connections, particularly for the Pakistani diaspora in the UK and European travelers.
When can we expect the new flights to Manchester and London to start?
The exact dates for the launch of new flights to Manchester and London are yet to be confirmed. However, Pakistan International Airlines is expected to announce the launch timeline once the plans are finalized, following their analysis of market demand and operational feasibility.
