LONDON: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume its flight operations to the United Kingdom after Eidul Fitr, marking a significant step towards restoring its European network.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to UK Dr. Mohammad Faisal speaking to the media stated that the first phase will include flights from London and Manchester to Pakistan, while efforts are underway to restore flights from Birmingham as well.
He further said that a special ceremony will be held to officially inaugurate the flight resumption, with media representatives in attendance.
PIA will operate Boeing Triple Seven aircraft, and arrangements are being finalised at British airports.
It is pertinent to mention that after the European Union lifted the ban, PIA’s first flight to Paris took off on January 10, 2024, marking the end of a four-and-a-half-year suspension.
Pakistan’s national flag carrier endured severe financial losses after its operations to Europe were halted due to safety concerns.
The ban was imposed in June 2020 after a PIA plane crash in Karachi, followed by the then Aviation Minister’s controversial statement in Parliament, revealing that pilots were hired with fake licenses.
As a result, the US aviation agency also downgraded Pakistan’s safety rating, causing 150 PIA pilots to be grounded and Pakistani pilots working abroad to face professional and financial hardships.
Meanwhile, the privatisation process of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has gained momentum once again, with notable interest from prominent groups seeking to acquire the airline.
