Fri Jan 10 11:28:12 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan International Airlines Resumes European Flights After Four-Year Ban
**Islamabad, Pakistan –** Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed direct flights to Europe after a four-year ban imposed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) was lifted. The first flight, carrying 330 passengers and 14 crew, departed from Islamabad International Airport on Friday, January 10, 2025, and landed in Paris.
The ban, implemented in June 2020, stemmed from concerns about Pakistan’s aviation safety standards following a plane crash in Karachi. The EASA’s decision to lift the ban followed improvements in Pakistan’s regulatory framework and compliance with international standards.
Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif celebrated the relaunch, praising PIA and the Civil Aviation Authority for their efforts. PIA marked the occasion by decorating the inaugural Boeing 777 aircraft with an Eiffel Tower and “I Love Paris” slogans.
The airline will operate flights between Islamabad and Paris twice weekly, on Fridays and Sundays. A PIA spokesman stated that initial flights are fully booked and that they anticipate strong demand. The route is intended to meet the needs of the Pakistani community in France and offer affordable fares.
The resumption of European flights is expected to boost PIA’s prospects amidst ongoing efforts to privatize the national carrier. The ban, initially imposed after controversial statements regarding pilot licensing, had significantly impacted PIA’s operations and profitability.
First Piper 