Is a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) return to New York in the cards? After the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted a key travel ban, the airline will resume flights to a few European cities as soon as possible. The door is also open for the airline to return service to America for Trans-Atlantic flights.
PIA has already dedicated six aircraft for routes in Europe and North America. However, the US government still has to approve the airline’s return.
No More Peril in Pakistan
Pakistan International Airlines is gearing up for international flights again as the EASA has recently lifted a ban on the airline flying to Europe. Some of the airline’s European flights are scheduled to resume in January. PIA, however, is working to get routes to Paris, France, Milan, Italy, and Manchester, England up and running as soon as possible.
Before the ban, the airline had established routes in various cities across Europe including London, Birmingham, and Barcelona. PIA officials claim that the ban had led to losses of at least $150 million in revenue yearly.
According to Aviation A2Z, PIA is also interested in bringing back flights to and from New York City.
The airline has a rich history of managing New York routes for five decades. PIA also had once established nonstop routes to and from Houston, Washington DC, and Chicago.
The last time the airline flew to America was in October 2017. Since then, PIA managed indirect flights from New York to Pakistan via Manchester until the COVID-19 pandemic.
PIA’s Polishing Up for the Big Apple
Defense and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif stated that PIA has passed multiple safety audits from around the world, suggesting the airline can travel overseas again without issue. Asif also touted that reviewers have ranked Pakistani airlines more favorably over other international airlines.
Pakistan International Airlines has also allegedly prepared a fleet that is expected to fly to and from New York, London, and other cities in Europe. The fleet contains at least six Boeing 777 aircraft. The airline is still awaiting approval from the US government.
With many Pakistani Americans living in New York, it’s easy to see why the airline would want to resume its New York routes. There is currently no word if the airline also plans to return to Chicago, Houston, and/or Washington.
