Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially restarted its flight services between Islamabad and Paris, effective Friday, January 10, 2025. This announcement follows the European Union’s decision to lift previous restrictions on the airline.
In a social media update on X, PIA shared, “Paris, we’re coming today! Flights between Islamabad and Paris are back starting January 10, 2025.”
The national carrier will operate two direct flights each week to the French capital. This revival comes after the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) removed the suspension on PIA last year, allowing it to reinstate operations within Europe.
The suspension had initially been imposed after Pakistan launched an investigation into the authenticity of pilots’ licenses, a response to a tragic plane crash that resulted in 97 fatalities. The ban resulted in significant financial losses for the airline, estimated at nearly Rs40 billion ($143.73 million) annually, as reported by Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Ali Pervaiz Malik in June 2024.
While PIA holds a 23% share of the domestic aviation market, its 34-plane fleet faces challenges competing against Middle Eastern airlines, which command a 60% market share, primarily due to a lack of direct flight options despite agreements with 87 countries and crucial landing slots.
Attempts by the government to privatize the airline have been unsuccessful, having received only one offer, which was below the desired price. Last month, Minister for Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan indicated that the restart of PIA’s flights to Europe represents a positive shift and a significant step towards the airline’s potential privatization.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his support for the initiative, celebrating the first PIA flight to Paris. He emphasized that the resumption of services would greatly benefit Pakistanis living abroad, providing them with direct flight options. The Prime Minister acknowledged the substantial losses incurred during the suspension period and highlighted that the returning flights signify progress for PIA as it seeks to restore its reputation and operational standing.
