History of Pakistan International Airlines

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) traces its roots to Orient Airways, founded in 1946, and has operated under the PIA name since 1955. It is Pakistan’s national flag carrier.

Origins

Orient Airways was set up in 1946 and moved to Pakistan after independence in 1947, flying domestic routes and to nearby countries. In 1955 the government merged it into a new national corporation, Pakistan International Airlines.

Growth

PIA began international services in the 1950s, flying to London. In the early 1960s it began operating jet aircraft, leasing a Boeing 707, and is widely described as the first Asian airline to fly jets on its long routes. It later expanded to North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Helping other airlines

In the 1980s PIA provided management and training assistance to the start-up that became Emirates, an association often cited in aviation history.

Challenges

In later decades PIA faced financial pressure, competition from Gulf carriers and accidents, among them the crash of Flight 8303 near Karachi in May 2020. In 2020 the airline’s pilot licensing controversy led to restrictions in several markets; see PIA flights to the EU and UK explained.

Today

PIA flies domestic and international routes from its main bases at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Pakistan’s government has been pursuing the airline’s restructuring and privatisation in recent years, so ownership and plans may change; check the latest news.

See PIA’s airline page for aircraft currently on the radar and how to check PIA flight status.

General information only, not legal or safety advice. Details change; check with your airline and the relevant authority. See our editorial policy.