Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced on Sunday that it plans to resume its European routes soon, including several destinations in the UK, after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted the suspension on the airline.
EASA had suspended PIA’s operating rights in the EU in June 2020, citing concerns over Pakistan’s ability to meet international aviation standards. The suspension came after an investigation into the validity of pilots’ licenses, triggered by a deadly plane crash in 2020.
PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the airline will approach the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) for approval to resume flights to the UK, noting that EASA clearance is a key requirement for UK authorities to grant permission.
Khan said PIA plans to restart European operations, beginning with flights to Paris within the next three to four weeks. Following approval for UK routes, London, Manchester, and Birmingham are expected to be the primary destinations.
