Big blow for PIA as Europe bans airline for six months over 'fake' licences scandal.

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) suffered a big blow as the European Union Air Safety Agency (EASA) suspended airline's operations permit for a period of six months, a spokesperson for the national flag carrier said on Tuesday.

The suspension will take effect on July 1, 2020 at 12 noon UTC time, he said.

Therefore, all PIA flights to Europe have been temporarily cancelled.

"Those who have a PIA booking can advance the date forward or get a refund," the spokesperson said.

"PIA is in constant contact with the agency," he said, adding: "We are taking steps to address their concerns."

"It is hoped that the suspension will end soon due to the [remedial] steps taken by the government and the administration," the spokesperson said.

The move is a big blow to the airline, already under scrutiny the world over due to recently uncovered pitfalls within Pakistan's aviation industry, such as pilots possessing "dubious" credentials - or "fake" licences as put by Aviation Minister...

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