PIA Cleared to Resume Flights to Europe After EASA Ban Lifted

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has officially lifted its suspension on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), allowing the carrier to resume flights to European destinations after a three-year hiatus.

Background on the Suspension

• The ban was imposed in June 2020 following safety concerns highlighted after a PIA Airbus A320 crash in May 2020, which claimed 97 lives.
• Subsequent investigations uncovered irregularities in pilot licensing, leading to a broader suspension of operations to European destinations.

EASA’s Decision

• The clearance was granted after EASA confirmed that PIA now meets the required safety standards.
• This decision reflects significant improvements in the airline’s compliance and operational protocols.

Implications for PIA

1. Operational Expansion:
   • PIA plans to expand its network to include European routes, which have been absent from its operations since 2020.
2. Privatization Efforts:
   • The decision is expected to support Pakistan’s efforts to privatize the national carrier, which has been grappling with financial losses.
3. Fleet Readiness:
   • Only about half of its fleet of 32 aircraft, including 17 A320s, 12 Boeing 777s, and 3 ATR 72s, is operational.

Current Flight Operations

PIA’s flights currently focus on domestic and Middle Eastern destinations, with long-haul routes limited to Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, and Toronto.

This clearance marks a critical milestone for PIA, paving the way for its re-entry into the competitive European market and fostering new opportunities for growth and stability.