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After nearly five years, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has finally taken off again on European routes, marking a major step toward rebuilding its global reputation. The European Union lifted the carrier’s flight ban in October 2024, a restriction that had been in place since the 2020 Karachi air crash that killed 97 passengers. However, even as PIA celebrates its reinstatement, a recent viral video has reignited debate about the airline’s standards and safety record. British travel blogger Sean Hammond shared his recent experience aboard PIA Flight PK-452, which operates between Islamabad and Skardu, a route famed for its dramatic views of the Himalayas, including the mighty K2. His footage, posted on Instagram, quickly went viral, drawing attention not only to the breathtaking journey but also to the airline’s enduring operational challenges. Calling it “one of the world’s most dangerous flights”, Hammond described the route’s unique hazards – a narrow valley runway barely 1,000 metres long, a sharp 180-degree turn during descent, and rapidly changing mountain weather. “I was told this is the world’s most dangerous flight, which made me a bit nervous,” Hammond said in his video. Yet by the end of his journey, his tone changed. “The whole trip was smooth, which is crazy because we were flying over the world’s biggest mountains! These Pakistani pilots know what they’re doing,” he added, praising the crew’s skillful handling of the aircraft. Watch the viral video: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sean Hammond (@seanhammonds) Despite his admiration for the pilots, Hammond’s video highlighted the aging interiors of the aircraft including dusty seats, broken handles, and worn-out panels, underscoring the state-run airline’s ongoing struggle to modernise its fleet. In May 2020, PIA Flight PK8303 crashed in Karachi, killing 97 people. The subsequent enquiry revealed that nearly 30% of Pakistani pilots held dubious licences, leading the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to ban the airline in June 2020. The United Kingdom and the United States followed suit, dealing a severe blow to the carrier’s finances, with estimated annual losses exceeding $144 million. After extensive reforms and audits, EASA lifted the European ban in November 2024, allowing PIA to resume international operations. The first post-ban flight, PK-749 from Islamabad to Paris, took off on January 10, 2025. The UK lifted its restrictions in July 2025, enabling the airline to restart flights to Manchester in August. However, the United States continues to block PIA’s commercial operations, pending further safety reviews. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s government has initiated privatisation efforts in hopes of restoring the airline’s image and financial health.
