Pakistan seeks return of PIA flights to Europe amid privatization push

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By Sky Industry News

Sep 15, 2024

The government of Pakistan is making significant efforts to restore permissions for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to resume flights to Europe and the U.K. ahead of the carrier's planned privatization.

Sources close to the development revealed that multiple technical sessions have been conducted over the past two days between the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and European Union officials. These online sessions lasted several hours, focusing on the steps required to lift the ban on PIA flights in Europe and the U.K.

CAA officials shared progress reports, emphasizing that all targets set by the EU and U.K. have been met, urging authorities to allow PIA’s resumption in these regions.

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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.