From global pioneer to privatized carrier: the turbulent history of Pakistan International Airlines

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Once a trailblazing flag carrier that set world speed records and helped launch Emirates, Pakistan International Airlines eventually faced a dramatic decline. Plagued by governance issues, pilot licensing scandals, and massive financial losses, the state-owned giant underwent a total transformation in 2025, marking the end of its government-managed era.

Established as Orient Airways in 1946, the carrier initially operated in British India before relocating to the newly independent Pakistan in 1947. By the mid-1950s, it had merged into the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation. The airline’s so-called Golden Age, led by Air Marshals Nur Khan and Asghar Khan, saw it become a major aviation force. In 1964, it achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first airline from a non-Communist nation to establish air links with the People's Republic of China. Its technical prowess was equally notable; in 1962, a PIA Boeing 720B set a commercial speed record of 938.78 km/h that remains unbroken today.

The airline’s reach expanded significantly through the 1960s and 1970s, adding diverse international destinations and even diversifying into the hospitality sector by owning properties like New York's Roosevelt Hotel. However, the late 20th century brought mounting challenges. Political interference, overstaffing, and frequent labor disputes eroded the airline's profitability. By the early 2000s, despite moments of recovery—such as its role as the launch customer for the Boeing 777-200LR and setting a world-record duration for a commercial flight in 2005—the carrier struggled to maintain its standing.

The situation deteriorated sharply following revelations that a significant portion of Pakistani pilot licenses were fraudulent. This triggered international bans, including a multi-year prohibition from European airspace starting in 2020. Faced with persistent operational deficits and governance failures, the Pakistani government finally moved to privatize the airline in 2025. This shift ended decades of state control, transferring majority ownership to the private sector in an attempt to stabilize the legacy carrier's future.

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