PIA’s Journey from Glory to Crisis: A Tale of Triumph, Decline, and Hope for Revival

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has long been a symbol of national pride, known for its once exceptional service and international recognition. Its journey began in 1946 when Pakistan’s founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, envisioned the creation of a national airline to connect the vast distances between East and West Pakistan. This vision came to life with the establishment of Orient Airways, which was later integrated into PIA in 1955, becoming the country’s flagship carrier.

PIA quickly earned a reputation for excellence, marking milestones such as launching its first international flight to London in 1960, and becoming the second Asian airline to operate commercial jet services. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, PIA expanded its routes and fleet, securing its place as a leading global airline.

However, in the 1990s, the airline began its downward spiral. Factors such as political interference, labor strikes, outdated infrastructure, and mismanagement contributed to PIA’s struggles. The airline’s fleet aged, and despite efforts to modernize, it faced fierce competition from private carriers in Pakistan, which eroded its market share.

By the early 2000s, PIA was grappling with massive financial losses. Political instability, corruption, and a lack of accountability further exacerbated the situation. With its operations compromised, many of its aircraft were grounded due to technical issues, and PIA continued to rely heavily on government subsidies to stay afloat.

In 2023, PIA reported cumulative losses of over PKR 75 billion (around USD 272 million). Despite ongoing challenges, the airline’s management struggled with privatization efforts, and its aging fleet remained a significant obstacle to recovery.

However, in a hopeful turn of events, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted its ban on Pakistani airlines, including PIA, in November 2024. This led to the resumption of international flights, starting with a route from Islamabad to Paris on January 10, 2025. Experts are optimistic that this will be a turning point for PIA, as it looks to restore its international operations and regain lost ground.

For PIA to achieve a full revival, industry experts emphasize the need for comprehensive restructuring, investment in new fuel-efficient aircraft, and an overhaul of its maintenance practices. The government’s support through infrastructure development, tax incentives, and financial reforms will be crucial in helping PIA overcome its financial troubles and reclaim its position as a leading global airline. Only with a determined effort and the right leadership can PIA return to its former glory and once again become the pride of Pakistan’s aviation sector.