Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has appointed a senior executive, Khurram Mushtaq, as its acting CEO as the airline gears up to resume flights to Europe. A PIA spokesperson announced on Sunday that flights to Europe, beginning with Paris, are expected to recommence within three to four weeks after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted its ban.
The interim appointment follows the completion of Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat’s tenure, though PIA has yet to confirm the exact date of this transition. Khurram Mushtaq has previously overseen key departments, including Commercial, Airport Services, Flight Services, Security, and Vigilance.
PIA’s authorisation to operate in Europe was revoked in 2020 due to concerns over Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) compliance with international standards. The suspension followed a major investigation into pilot license authenticity, initiated after a plane crash in Pakistan that claimed 97 lives.
The airline, which the government plans to partially privatise with a 60% stake sale, has faced significant financial losses. The EASA ban alone has cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually. Despite holding 23% of Pakistan’s domestic aviation market, PIA’s 34-plane fleet struggles to compete with Middle Eastern carriers dominating 60% of the market.
A recent privatisation effort in October failed, with only one offer submitted, falling short of the asking price.
