Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed flights from Islamabad to Paris, announcing the development with an advertisement that has drawn mixed reactions online.
“Paris, we come today”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PIA shared a picture showing a plane that appears to be diving towards the Eiffel Tower, along with the caption “Paris, we arrive today.”
— PIA (@Official_PIA) 10 January 2025
The image and quote quickly caught the attention of social media users, with many responding with confusion, humor and criticism. Some compared the images to the September 11 attacks on New York’s World Trade Center.
Info or warning?
— हाकूना माताट (@Uppalapati__) 10 January 2025
This is not the first time that PIA’s advertisements have received backlash. Users on X also pointed out a controversial advertisement from the 1970s, which showed the shadow of a PIA airliner over the Twin Towers in New York City.
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One user commented, “First they wanted to shadow skyscrapers, now they’re going straight for landmarks. Bold marketing strategy!” Another said, “PIA: where every flight feels like an episode of ‘Final Destination’.” A third wrote: “Next stop: the Leaning Tower of Pisa. ‘We’re just helping it lean a little more.’
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You can’t be serious this time! This was in the 70s. Fire your designer! pic.twitter.com/ar2XkIDuHR
— Muhammad Uzair Balagamwala (@muzairb) 10 January 2025
Despite the criticism, the airline’s return to Europe is a significant milestone. PIA resumed operations in Europe on Friday, with the first flight to Paris marking the end of a four-year ban imposed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) over safety concerns.
— Qamar Gondal (@TheRealQamarPTI) 10 January 2025
The ban, which began in June 2020, followed a plane crash in Karachi and raised questions about the ability to Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan to meet international safety standards.
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The first flight on the restored route, PK-749, was officially flagged off by Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif, PIA CEO Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat and other senior officials.
(With input from agencies)
