Airlines

Indian Pilots Could Soon Be Banned on Wearing Perfume

According to new regulations being reviewed by the nation’s civil aviation regulator, perfume could soon be banned for pilots throughout India.

The prospective ban on perfume is being considered because many fragrances include alcohol, which could generate a false-positive breathalyzer test result. This is not because perfume could distract pilots or even give them headaches.

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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation intends to add a provision to the current safety regulations that prohibits crew members from consuming any alcoholic beverage, including mouthwash, tooth gel, and perfume.

Pilots and cabin staff are routinely subjected to pre-flight breathalyzer tests, which are among the most stringent alcohol regulations for aircrew in the world. An instant three-month license suspension is possible for even the smallest amount of alcohol, which is seen as a favorable result.

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The proposed perfume ban is intended to address the possibility of falsely positive breathalyser results and guarantee the greatest level of aviation safety. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation seeks to avoid any compromise to the sobriety standards necessary for pilots and crew members by forbidding the use of items that contain alcohol. This action is in line with their dedication to following strict laws and the highest standards of safety in the aviation sector.

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Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.