Pakistan International Airlines

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is the national flag carrier of Pakistan. With its primary hub at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, the airline also operates from its secondary hubs at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore and at Islamabad International Airport. Until its privatization in 2025, the airline was managed and operated as a state-owned enterprise under Aviation Division of the federal Government of Pakistan. Founded on 29 October 1946 by Miraza Ishpahani and Adamjee Dawood as Orient Airways, the airline was initially private entity and based in Calcutta in British India, before shifting operations to the newly independent state of Pakistan in August 1947. Soon, the Orient Airways was nationalized to form the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (PIAC). The airline commenced international services in 1955 to London, via Cairo and Rome. In 1964, it became the first non-Communist airline to fly to China. PIA assisted in the establishment of Emirates in 1985 and became the launch customer of the Boeing 777-200LR in 2004. On 10 November 2005, PIA completed the world's longest nonstop commercial passenger flight using a Boeing 777-200LR, flying eastbound from Hong Kong to London in 22 hours and 22 minutes. PIA is Pakistan's largest airline and operates a fleet of 32 aircraft, Mostly various Boeing 777 types, Airbus A320 and ATR aircraft. The airline operates a frequent flyer program, Awards +Plus. It is not part of any airline alliance. The airline operates nearly 50 flights daily, servicing 20 domestic destinations and 28 international destinations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America. In addition to commercial flight operations, PIA also owns the Sofitel Paris, The Scribe Hotel in Paris, and The Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. The Roosevelt is now used as a homeless shelter. The Government of Pakistan's report in 2020 emphasised that after Air Marshals Nur Khan and Asghar Khan—whose tenures were regarded in aviation circles as the "Golden Age of PIA"—departed from their leadership roles, the airline began a downward trajectory, suffering billions in losses. Its assets declined, disciplinary issues escalated, and unions indirectly took control of management. Aircraft that were capable of flying were grounded, and repairable equipment was neglected. From 30 June 2020 until 29 November 2024, PIA was banned from flying in European airspace after EASA determined that the airline was not capable of certifying and overseeing its operators and aircraft in accordance with applicable international standards. This decision, which was also implemented at various dates in other non-EU territories, was made soon after it was revealed that at least a fourth of all pilots' licences issued in Pakistan were not genuine. Following prolonged financial losses, governance issues, and international operational restrictions, Pakistan International Airlines was privatised in 2025, ending direct government ownership and transferring majority control to the private sector.