Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has issued a public apology following widespread criticism of an advertisement that featured an image of a plane heading toward the Eiffel Tower. The ad was meant to celebrate the resumption of flights to Paris but instead drew backlash for evoking sensitive memories among viewers.
The advertisement, which included the caption “Paris, we’re coming today,” sparked online outrage, with many drawing uncomfortable comparisons to past incidents involving aviation. Some questioned the airline’s judgment in choosing such imagery, labeling it as insensitive and poorly thought out.
PIA’s spokesperson, Abdullah Khan, acknowledged the error, admitting that the advertisement unintentionally caused distress. He apologized for triggering negative emotions and assured the public that the airline regrets the oversight.
The controversy also caught the attention of government officials. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed strong disapproval of the advertisement, calling it inappropriate. In response, an official inquiry has been launched to investigate how such an ad was approved and to ensure similar mistakes are avoided in the future.
Despite the backlash, PIA has reported strong performance on its Paris route, with flights operating at over 95% passenger capacity. However, the incident has highlighted the need for more sensitivity and caution in the airline’s marketing campaigns.
