For an airline already facing financial difficulties, PIA's permission to operate in the EU had been suspended, therefore representing a major setback. The restriction followed worries expressed concerning Pakistan's capacity to guarantee adherence to international aviation safety criteria, especially with reference to the supervision of its Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The revelation of problems concerning the validity of pilots' licenses in Pakistan set off the suspension, which followed a sad aircraft disaster in May 2020 killing 97 people. Investigations into the issue found that several PIA-employed pilots had forged their credentials, which prompted more investigation of the safety procedures and administration of the airline. The European Union and the UK thus placed severe PIA limitations, so stopping the airline from running flights to the area.

For the struggling carrier, the latest restriction removal has been a comfort, nevertheless. Abdullah Hafeez Khan, a PIA spokesman, stated that the airline has been given permission for its flight schedule, therefore signifying a significant step towards returning European operations. Using a Boeing 777 aircraft, the airline is expected to start booking for the January 10 journey from Lahore to Paris on December 9. This is the first move towards the airline trying to bring back its European offerings following a protracted break.

Apart from Paris, PIA intends to start flying to the United Kingdom once more. Khan said the airline would shortly approach the Department of Transport (DfT) in the United Kingdom for approval to start flights to Birmingham, Manchester, and London, Once the airline gets approved to fly in the UK, these cities are projected to be among the most visited by PIA customers. The return of services to these important European markets is projected to greatly increase PIA's income source, which had been badly disrupted by the loss of European routes.

With an estimated 40 billion Pakistani rupees ($144 million) lost income yearly, the restriction on PIA's flights had a significant financial impact on the airline, Once a major component of the airline's business, European routes' suspension led to PIA's continuous financial difficulties, Years of cumulative losses have plagued the airline; the European ban simply made things more difficult.

One of PIA's most important moves toward recovery is its comeback in the European market, The airline has been striving to raise its operations and safety standards, the lifting of the ban indicates that it is advancing in satisfying international aviation criteria. For the airline trying to rebuild passenger confidence and rebuild its reputation in the worldwide aviation sector, the restart of flights to Europe is also a significant turning point.

For PIA, the lifting of the prohibition signifies a major turning point generally. Starting with Paris, the airline's comeback into the European market is expected to assist in some income recovery and enhance its financial situation, PIA is rebuilding its network and reclaiming its prominence in the global aviation scene by means of significant actions in line with intentions to increase its services to the United Kingdom.

Pakistan: PIA to Launch Europe Flights January 10 After Long Ban

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