LONDON- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) ended its newly launched Lahore (LHE) to Paris (CDG) route after only two months. The service, introduced in June, will cease with just two weeks’ notice.
Instead, PIA plans to redirect aircraft from this route to the United Kingdom, with initial operations focused on Manchester (MAN). This marks a strategic shift for the carrier as European restrictions ease.
Photo- Alan Wilson; Wikimedia CommonsPakistan Airlines Ends Paris Route
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted its ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in November 2024, followed by the United Kingdom removing its restrictions last month.
To prepare for this opportunity, PIA has two aircraft undergoing significant maintenance, including one reassigned from the discontinued Lahore to Paris service.
Airline officials expressed confidence in securing Third Country Operator (TCO) authorization by mid-September.
This certification is mandatory before PIA can resume scheduled services to the UK.
However, experts note that maintenance described as “meeting UK requirements” appears to involve broader heavy checks, such as C-checks, record validation, and compliance with airworthiness directives.
According to View from the Wing, PIA must still obtain its foreign carrier permit from the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority before operations begin.
Photo: PIA 77-200LR | Pakistan International Airlines Boeing 777-20… | FlickrOperational Readiness
PIA currently maintains a twice-weekly Islamabad (ISB) to Paris (CDG) service using the Boeing 777-200, the same aircraft type expected for Manchester operations.
Technical upgrades are underway to ensure these aircraft meet international safety and operational standards, particularly for extended-range operations (ETOPS) certification.
Despite prior safety controversies, including cases of unlicensed pilots and poor resource management flagged by regulators, the airline is pressing ahead with efforts to restore long-haul connectivity.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrCertification and Compliance
While EASA approval allowed PIA to resume flights into the EU, the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority requires a separate “Third Country Operators” (TCO) authorization.
This certification ensures that foreign carriers meet safety, technical, and procedural standards before commencing scheduled services.
PIA has expressed confidence that it will secure TCO authorization by mid-September, enabling Manchester operations to begin shortly thereafter.
The airline’s description of “meeting requirements for UK operations” largely involves heavy maintenance tasks rather than UK-specific modifications.
These include comprehensive C-checks, validation of airworthiness directives, and records audits to confirm compliance with international aviation standards such as ADS-B equipment, communications systems, and emissions regulations.
Photo: AP-BID Boeing 777-340/ER (cn 33780/705) Pakistan Internati… | FlickrFuture Outlook
Before the pandemic, PIA announced ambitious plans to fly to the United States in 2020. The airline even claimed it would manage its own security arrangements, an idea criticized as impractical given its safety reputation.
That expansion never materialized, reflecting the gap between PIA’s aspirations and its operational limitations.
The shift to Manchester suggests a more cautious approach, targeting routes with strong diaspora demand and commercial potential.
However, without meaningful reforms in safety, reliability, and governance, PIA risks repeating past failures.
Regulatory approvals open doors, but consistent performance will determine whether the airline can regain a sustainable foothold in Western markets.
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