Pakistan International Airlines Resumes Flights To The EU With Connections To London, Paris, Manchester, And Birmingham

Published on January 11, 2025

Pakistan International Airlines returns to European skies, connecting London, Paris, Manchester, and Birmingham with resumed flights after a three-year hiatus.

On January 10, 2025, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) marked a historic milestone by resuming flights to the European Union (EU) after a three-year hiatus. The first flight, operated by a Boeing 777-200ER registered as AP-BGK, departed from Islamabad International Airport (ISB) at 12:40 PM local time and landed at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 4:17 PM local time. This event signifies PIA’s return to European skies following a ban imposed in 2020 by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The airline celebrated this achievement with a ceremonial send-off at Islamabad International Airport. PIA expressed its commitment to maintaining stringent safety standards and strengthening international connectivity. This development comes after PIA was reinstated as an authorized third-country operator (TCO) by EASA on November 29, 2024.

Background of the Ban

In June 2020, EASA banned PIA from operating in the EU due to a pilot license scandal in Pakistan. The controversy erupted when Ghulam Sarwar Khan, the former Federal Minister for Aviation, revealed that over 260 of the country’s 860 commercial pilot licenses were either fraudulent or obtained through cheating. This announcement followed a tragic crash involving a PIA Airbus A320 in May 2020 near Karachi Jinnah International Airport, which claimed 98 lives. The revelation raised serious concerns about aviation safety and regulatory oversight in Pakistan.

Out of 434 pilots employed by PIA at the time, approximately 150 were found to have suspicious licenses, further damaging the airline’s reputation. The scandal led to international bans, including restrictions from the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Resumption of EU Flights

After three years of working to restore its reputation and align with global aviation standards, PIA successfully regained authorization to operate in EU airspace. EASA’s decision to reinstate PIA and Blue Air on its TCO list marks a critical step forward for Pakistan’s aviation sector. The resumption of flights to Paris not only restores an essential travel link but also bolsters economic and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Europe.

PIA’s CEO expressed optimism about expanding the airline’s European network, emphasizing plans to reintroduce routes to other key destinations across the continent. The airline aims to capitalize on its operational improvements to regain passenger trust and market share.

Current Status in the UK

Despite its return to the EU, PIA has yet to resume flights to the United Kingdom. The UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) is scheduled to visit Pakistan in mid-January 2025 to evaluate the country’s aviation safety standards. Until then, the CAA maintains its ban on PIA’s direct flights to the UK.

Since the UK ban was imposed in 2020, PIA has relied on chartered flights operated by Hi Fly to maintain connections between Pakistan and the UK. Data from Cirium’s Diio Mi airline planning system revealed that PIA marketed flights from Islamabad to Birmingham, London Heathrow, and Manchester until November 2022. However, these operations were suspended due to ongoing regulatory challenges.

PIA’s Pre-Ban Operations in Europe

Before the 2020 ban, PIA was a prominent player in the European and UK aviation markets. In June 2019, the airline operated 12 routes to the region, including the British Isles, offering a total of 25 weekly flights. Key destinations included London, Paris, Manchester, and Birmingham, connecting Pakistani travelers to major European hubs. The ban significantly disrupted these operations, impacting both passenger travel and cargo services.

Impact on Aviation and Economic Recovery

The resumption of EU flights is expected to have a positive economic impact on Pakistan. Improved connectivity will boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and European countries. Furthermore, it demonstrates the country’s commitment to addressing aviation safety concerns and aligning with international standards.

PIA’s return to European skies also highlights the broader efforts of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) to restore global confidence in the nation’s aviation sector. The government’s initiatives to improve pilot licensing procedures, regulatory frameworks, and safety protocols have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.

Future Prospects for PIA

PIA’s successful return to the EU marks a new chapter in the airline’s history. The management is now focusing on re-establishing routes to other key European destinations, including Frankfurt, Milan, and Amsterdam. Discussions are also underway to explore codeshare agreements with European carriers to expand connectivity further.

In the long term, PIA aims to modernize its fleet, enhance customer service, and strengthen its position in the global aviation market. The airline is investing in digital transformation initiatives to improve operational efficiency and passenger experience. These measures are designed to ensure that PIA remains competitive in an increasingly dynamic industry.

The return of Pakistan International Airlines to the European Union is a significant milestone for the airline and Pakistan’s aviation sector. The revival of flights to Paris marks the beginning of a transformative phase for global connectivity and economic expansion. While challenges remain, particularly in regaining access to the UK market, PIA’s achievements thus far reflect its determination to rebuild and thrive.

As PIA expands its operations and restores confidence among travelers, it reinforces Pakistan’s position as a key player in global aviation. With continued efforts to enhance safety and service standards, the airline is poised for a brighter future.