Pakistan International Airlines has resumed direct flights to Europe after the EU lifted a ban imposed in 2020 due to safety concerns. The inaugural flight was fully booked, and PIA plans to expand its operations to more European countries. The previous ban was linked to serious allegations regarding pilot licensing and safety after a tragic crash in Karachi.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has restarted direct flights to Europe following the European Union’s decision to lift a prior ban imposed in 2020. The inaugural flight from Islamabad was fully booked, carrying over 300 passengers, signaling strong demand for the service. PIA’s management has indicated that they plan to expand operations to additional European countries in the near future. The previous ban was initially triggered by controversial comments from a former aviation minister, revealing serious concerns regarding the integrity of pilot licenses in Pakistan when statements made indicated a significant number of pilots had allegedly cheated on their exams. This issue came to light after a tragic plane crash in Karachi that resulted in 97 fatalities, which was attributed to pilot error after a thorough investigation.
In June 2020, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) suspended Pakistan International Airlines from operating flights to EU countries due to serious safety concerns, particularly those involving licensing discrepancies among Pakistani pilots. The situation escalated following the tragic crash in Karachi, which raised alarm bells regarding aviation safety standards in Pakistan. The PIA ban led to considerable financial losses estimated at $150 million annually for the airline, prompting concerted efforts to rectify the identified issues and restore its international standing. With the resumption of flights to Europe, PIA is optimistic about regaining lost revenues and customer trust.
The resumption of PIA flights to Europe marks a significant step towards restoring the airline’s international reputation, which suffered due to safety concerns and regulatory issues. As PIA looks to expand further into European markets and beyond, the successful launch of the fully booked flight from Islamabad indicates a positive reception from the public. Ongoing improvements in pilot certification and safety protocols will be crucial for ensuring the longevity of these operations and rebuilding trust with international passengers.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
