Is PIA really making a comeback? Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national carrier, surprised everyone by announcing a net profit of Rs26.2 billion for the year ending December 2024, breaking a 21-year streak of losses. The earnings per share of Rs5.01 signals a major change from the previous year’s huge loss of Rs104 billion. But does this profit truly mean that PIA is on the road to recovery, or is it just a temporary boost?
PIA’s Financial Results at a Glance
The key financial highlights of PIA in 2024 show:
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PIA Operating Profit: Rs9.4 billion
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PIA Net Profit: Rs26.2 billion
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PIA Earnings Per Share: Rs5.01
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PIA Loss in 2023: Rs104 billion
While these numbers are impressive, experts question: Is PIA really making a comeback, or is this an anomaly?
Why the 2024 Profit Doesn’t Guarantee a Full Turnaround
Despite the positive numbers, the question remains Is PIA really making a comeback? Here are some reasons why the current profit may not signal a permanent recovery:
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Long-term losses of over two decades still impact the airline’s financial health.
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A heavy debt burden remains on the balance sheet.
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Operational inefficiencies and an aging fleet continue to drain resources.
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Dependence on government bailouts could mask real performance.
Also Read: Is New Gawadar Airport Operational For PIA Flights?
Expert Opinion
So, is PIA really making a comeback? The 2024 profit is certainly a positive sign and may indicate early steps toward recovery. However, sustainable success will require real reforms, financial transparency, and strategic planning. Only time will confirm whether PIA can maintain this momentum and return as Pakistan’s leading airline.