Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is preparing to restart flights to Europe, following recent approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The airline’s suspension in June 2020 was due to concerns over Pakistan's compliance with international aviation standards, stemming from issues with the Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).
PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan stated that the airline plans to approach the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) for permission to resume UK routes, with EASA clearance being a crucial step.
The airline is eyeing popular UK destinations, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham, while aiming to restart European operations with flights to Paris within three to four weeks.
The suspension came in the wake of a tragic 2020 plane crash in Karachi, which killed 97 people and led to an investigation into the validity of pilots’ licenses. The ban has since resulted in significant financial losses for PIA, amounting to Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually.
In a bid to revive operations and improve the airline’s standing, the Pakistan government is also considering selling a 60% stake in the national carrier.
Efforts to lift the ban reflect PIA's commitment to regaining access to European markets and restoring its reputation as a trusted airline for international travel.
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