Islamabad— Pakistan is stepping up diplomatic efforts to reinstate direct flights of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to the United Kingdom and the United States, with negotiations underway with key authorities in both countries.
Discussions are currently in progress with the UK Department for Transport, with hopes of resuming flights to the UK by June 2025, according to an official document. Additionally, talks with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are ongoing, and a team of American experts is scheduled to visit Pakistan next month to assess the feasibility of direct flights between Pakistan and the US.
The document also sheds light on the severe financial losses incurred by PIA, with a reported $600 million loss. This financial setback follows statements made by a PTI-era minister who alleged that PIA pilots held fake degrees and suspicious licenses, prompting the European Union and the UK to suspend PIA’s operations. The incident also led to a downgrade in Pakistan’s safety rating by the FAA, resulting in 150 PIA pilots being grounded and Pakistani pilots working abroad facing significant professional and financial difficulties.
As a result of these challenges, PIA’s market share plummeted from 50% to just 20%, while Gulf and UAE airlines expanded their market share, benefiting from additional facilities granted under bilateral agreements. Furthermore, PIA’s liabilities have surged to Rs740 billion, which includes payments to suppliers, fuel charges, and government-backed loans.
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In a positive turn, the European Union lifted its ban on PIA flights in December 2024, allowing the national carrier to resume flights to Europe in January 2025 after a four-year suspension.
Efforts to restore PIA’s international routes are now a priority for the government, as it seeks to rebuild the airline’s reputation and financial stability.
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