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.The airline’s first trip to Europe since 2020 landed in Paris on Friday, January 10, 2025, following its approval.

A beginning on the road to redemption

On January 10, Pakistan International Airlines flight PK749 left Islamabad International Airport (ISB) at 12:40 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.Pakistan International Airlines Boeing 777-200LR

Pakistan has yet to receive authorization from 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. PIA is currently unable to travel to the UK or the US. However, 24NewsHD reported on January 2 that direct flights to the UK will resume 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. The UK Civil Aviation Authority granted an exemption from the security audit, making the audits of PIA and Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority a mere formality.

After the inaugural flight, Pakistan International Airlines staged a roadshow in Paris, which was attended by Pakistani nationals and travel agencies from across France and Europe.

According to a story in Arab News, PIA said the Pakistani community urged that the airline offer flights to other European cities. Since the introduction of the Paris service, “a clear decrease is being observed in the fares of other airlines operating in Pakistan.”A Pakistan International Airlines Boeing 777 wide-body passenger plane taxiing on Manchester International Airport.

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 residing overseas have exceeded PIA’s 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 referred to the airline’s privatization and sale. According to the source, the Pakistani government expects the opening of European lines, followed by a similar declaration from the UK later this year, will increase PIA’s selling potential.Pakistan International Airlines Boeing 777

The Pakistani government aims to privatize the debt-ridden airline and has made significant efforts to find a buyer at an acceptable price. 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.

Despite employing over 7,000 people, the airline has been accused of bad management, including unpaid invoices, a poor safety record, and regulatory concerns, which may explain why purchasers are not queuing up. In 2023, the airline lost $270 million, and its liabilities were about $3 billion, or roughly five times the value of its assets.

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