Pakistan International Airlines plans return of European flights post-ban

Home
»
Stories
»
2024
»
December

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Qatar Airways In Talks To Buy 20% Of Virgin Australia - Airline Ratings

Boeing Will Buy Spirit AeroSystems For $4.7 Billion In Stock & Airbus Enters $559 Million Agreement For Its Parts

Bombardier Global Jet Production Stops in Toronto as Union Workers Strike | AIN

Global Industry News

Pakistan International Airlines plans return of European flights post-ban

Policy

Geoffrey Thomas Editor-In-Chief - US Bureau Chief | Airline Ratings

By Sky Industry News

Dec 2, 2024

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe soon, following the lifting of a ban by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The airline had been barred from operating in the EU since June 2020. This suspension was due to concerns about pilot license validity and oversight by Pakistani aviation authorities after a plane crash that resulted in 97 fatalities.

"EASA has now re-established sufficient confidence in the PCAA oversight capabilities," an EASA spokesperson stated in an email to Reuters. The decision was attributed to "significant efforts" made by Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).

PIA had previously grounded 262 pilots, including 141 from its own staff, over what were described as "dubious" licenses. Despite these measures, no major issues were uncovered during investigations.

Get the Newsletter

Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News

By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The resumption of flights is expected to include UK destinations such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham once approval is granted. PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan mentioned that the company is financially prepared to expand routes and will consider leasing new aircraft following privatisation talks with the government.

The Pakistani government aims to sell a 60% stake in PIA and had requested EASA lift the ban due to significant revenue losses estimated at 40 billion rupees ($144 million) annually. Despite holding agreements with 87 countries, PIA struggles against Middle Eastern carriers due to limited direct flights.

In related developments, Pakistan's air safety rating was downgraded by the US Federal Aviation Administration in 2020, preventing new services or codeshares with US airlines. AirlineRatings recently upgraded PIA's safety score from 1/7 to 2/7 after EASA lifted its restrictions.

Organizations Included in this History

Airline Ratings

More News

Bombardier's Learjet 75 Liberty: a standout in light private jets despite challenges

The Learjet 75 Liberty marks a significant chapter in the history of private aviation.

Apr 28, 2025

United Airlines expands Denver international flights to Mexico City and Punta Cana

United Airlines is expanding its international network from Denver International Airport with the addition of two new routes.

Apr 28, 2025

Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport: development, connectivity, and growth

Romania's commercial aviation industry is centered around Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport, also known as OTP, which serves as a primary gateway to the Romanian capital.

Apr 28, 2025