Pakistani Airline Set to Resume Direct Flights to Europe After Safety Ban Lifted
After more than four years, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is gearing up to resume direct flights to Europe, a momentous development for the carrier and travelers alike.
The move follows the lifting of a ban imposed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2020, after a fatal PIA plane crash in Karachi. The ban cost PIA an estimated $150 million in revenue annually.
PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez announced that the first direct flight from Islamabad to Paris is set to take off in early January, kicking off a renewed connection between the two continents.
“EASA has expressed complete satisfaction with the safety standards of PIA,” Hafeez confirmed, adding that arrangements are underway to launch flights to additional European cities.
The 2020 ban was imposed following a crash that claimed the lives of 97 people when a PIA flight from Lahore crashed while attempting to land in Karachi. At the time, concerns were raised about the validity of Pakistani pilot licenses and Pakistan’s capability in ensuring the safety standards of its operators and aircraft.
Addressing these concerns, Hafeez emphasized that PIA has implemented significant improvements in its safety protocols, earning the trust of EASA. A government probe into the plane crash later determined that pilot error was the cause.
The resumption of flights is being met with an enthusiastic response. Travel agencies have already notified a surge in inquiries from travelers eager to book their journeys to various European destinations served by PIA
Hafeez expressed optimism about the revived schedule: “If you have your breakfast in Pakistan, you will be having your lunch in Paris, showcasing the rapid turnaround in our flight times.” This statement encapsulates the excitement surrounding the reinstatement of direct flights and the newfound ease of travel between Pakistan and Europe.
Can you elaborate on the recent IATA safety audit and its findings regarding PIA’s operations and safety protocols? [[1](https://simpleflying.com/iata-pia-safety-audit/)]
**Interviewer:** Mr. Hafeez, thank you for joining us today. You’ve announced the exciting news that PIA will once again be flying directly to Europe. While many travelers will be thrilled by the prospect of more convenient travel, some may still have reservations about PIA’s safety record. How do you plan to reassure hesitant flyers and regain their trust?
