PIA issues apology after Paris flight ad sparks backlash

PIA Paris flight ad

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has issued a public apology following backlash over an advertisement showing one of its planes flying toward the Eiffel Tower.

The airline posted the image on its official social media accounts to celebrate the resumption of flights to Paris after safety restrictions were lifted.

However, the visual quickly sparked criticism for resembling the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The ad showed a PIA aircraft heading toward the iconic French landmark with the caption, “Paris, we’re coming today.”

Social media users pointed out the unsettling resemblance to the 2001 attacks when hijacked planes were flown into the World Trade Center in New York.

In response to the backlash, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Khan clarified that the airline never intended to evoke negative associations.

“Unfortunately, this was blown out of proportion, with intentions and perceptions that were not intended,” Khan said. “It may have triggered some negative emotions, for which we sincerely apologize.”

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the ad as “stupidity,” and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an inquiry into the matter.

Despite the controversy, Khan pointed out that PIA’s return to European markets has been largely successful, with Paris flights operating at over 95 percent capacity.

The post, however, remains live on the airline’s official X account.

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