Returning to Europe with a new route to Paris after being
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Jan 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 28
After a four-year hiatus, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is back in European skies, launching a new direct route from Islamabad to Paris.
This marks a significant milestone for the airline, which has been cleared to resume operations in Europe after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted its ban.
Hindustan Times is writing that the inaugural flight symbolizes not only a recovery for PIA but also the renewal of connections between Pakistan and Europe, with plans for further European expansions in the near future.
98 people lost their lives
The fatal crash in Karachi occurred on May 22, 2020, when Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Flight PK8303, an Airbus A320, crashed while attempting to land at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport. The flight, en route from Lahore, was carrying 99 passengers and crew.
Tragically, 98 people lost their lives, with only two survivors. The investigation revealed that the crash was caused by human error, including issues with the pilots' handling of the aircraft and technical malfunctions. The incident highlighted concerns about pilot training and the validity of licenses, contributing to the suspension of PIA's flights to Europe and other regulatory actions.
The scandal: Fake pilot licenses
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) faced a major crisis in 2020 when a fake pilot license scandal led to safety concerns and international bans. This resulted in the airline being prohibited from operating flights to Europe, the UK, and the U.S., significantly impacting its operations and reputation.
In June 2020, Pakistan’s Aviation Minister revealed that 262 out of 860 pilots in Pakistan held fraudulent licenses. Investigations found that these pilots had either cheated on exams or had someone else take the tests for them. This shocking revelation raised global concerns about Pakistan’s aviation safety standards.
International bans and flight restrictions
Following the scandal, several international aviation authorities took immediate action:
European Union (EU): The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) banned PIA from flying to Europe on July 1, 2020, citing safety risks. This affected flights to Paris, Milan, Barcelona, and Copenhagen.
United Kingdom (UK): The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) also suspended PIA’s flights to London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
United States (USA): The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded Pakistan’s aviation safety rating and banned PIA from operating in the U.S.
Other Countries: Nations like the UAE, Malaysia, and Vietnam reviewed or suspended Pakistani pilots working in their airlines.
Efforts to regain approval
Since the bans, Pakistan has worked to reform its aviation sector, improve pilot verification processes, and regain international confidence. By early 2024, there were signs that the European ban could be lifted, though formal approvals were still pending.
Aviaton reforms
While Pakistan has made progress in aviation reforms, PIA has yet to fully resume flights to Europe, the UK, and the U.S.. The airline continues to work with EASA and other regulators to meet international safety standards and regain lost routes.
As of January 2025, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has made significant progress in resuming its international operations following the 2020 pilot license scandal.
Resumption of flights to Europe
European Union (EU): On November 29, 2024, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted the four-year ban on PIA, acknowledging improvements in Pakistan's aviation safety standards. PIA resumed direct flights to Europe on January 10, 2025, starting with a fully booked flight from Islamabad to Paris.
Efforts to resume flights
United Kingdom (UK): Following the EU's decision, PIA is actively seeking approval from the UK's Department for Transport to reinstate routes to London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Officials from the UK Civil Aviation Authority have visited Pakistan to assess compliance, but as of now, the ban remains in effect.
United States (USA): PIA is also aiming to resume flights to the U.S., particularly to New York, pending approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The airline has allocated six Boeing 777 aircraft for operations to Europe, the UK, and the U.S., anticipating a favorable outcome from the FAA's review.
Lost $150 million annually
The bans imposed in 2020 resulted in significant financial losses for PIA, estimated at nearly $150 million annually. The resumption of flights to Europe is a positive development, and PIA is hopeful that approvals from the UK and U.S. authorities will follow, enabling the airline to restore its full international network.
