PIA Resumes Europe Flights with First Paris Flight Carrying 300 Passengers Post-Karachi Crash

Jan 10, 2025, 11:46 AM

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) resumed its flights to Europe on Friday, January 10, 2025, ending a four-year suspension imposed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The first flight departed from Islamabad International Airport to Paris, carrying 300 passengers, including the airline's CEO. The suspension was lifted in November 2024, following concerns over the safety of PIA's pilots, which stemmed from a 2020 crash in Karachi that killed 97 people. The resumption of flights is seen as a step towards restoring the airline's reputation and financial health, as PIA has been struggling with significant debts and operational challenges. The airline plans to operate two direct weekly flights to Paris, with the first flight fully booked. This development is expected to aid the Pakistani government's efforts to privatize the debt-ridden airline.