Pakistan seeks return of PIA flights to Europe amid privatization push

The airline believes restoration of service is imminent enough that they have initiated catering contracts for Manchester and Birmingham services in the U.K.

Pakistan International Airlines has previously faced severe criticism for various safety issues. The airline was banned from European airspace on June 30, 2020, due to safety-related concerns. Notably, more than 30% of its pilots were found to have fake licenses, and cockpit resource management was virtually non-existent at PIA.

Additionally, flight attendants often seek opportunities to remain abroad when landing outside Pakistan. The national carrier has also struggled financially, limiting its flights due to an inability to afford jet fuel. The government has been attempting a sale despite labor backlash, as privatization threatens existing structures within the carrier known for corruption and inefficiency. Previous protests against privatization turned violent with clashes involving rubber bullets, water cannons, and tear gas.

Before the pandemic, PIA had announced plans to fly to the U.S. starting in 2020 and even claimed that U.S. authorities would allow them to handle their own security procedures.