Archive · 21 Sep 2026
PIA Unveils New Crew Uniforms Amid Online Calls for Reform
Pakistan International Airlines has introduced new clothes for its flight crews.
The uniforms use green and grey-blue colors and were designed with help from Pakistani fashion designers.
The airline says the change is part of improving its image.
Many online commenters said the uniforms were less important than fixing the planes.
They also asked PIA to improve cleanliness, seats, washrooms, entertainment, blankets, pillows and customer service.
The airline has financial problems and is facing higher fuel costs.
Because of this, it cut some discounts and changed or paused some flights.
PIA also added three planes to its fleet before introducing the uniforms.
In December 2025, a consortium led by the Arif Habib Group bought a 75% stake in the airline.
Pakistan International Airlines unveiled redesigned crew uniforms after a decade as part of an image makeover.
The uniforms feature deep forest green and soft grey-blue, with different styles for male and female crew members.
The designs incorporated input from Pakistani designers including Maheen Khan, Deepak and Fahad, Generation, Ismail Farid, Munib Nawaz, Deepak Perwani, Faraz Manan, Amir Adnan, HSY and Nomi Ansari.
Online commenters urged PIA to prioritize aircraft repairs, cleanliness, service quality, reliability, passenger comfort and staff professionalism.
The cash-strapped airline has cut discounts, reduced or suspended some routes, and capped UAE flights while facing rising jet-fuel costs and potential losses.
- Who
- Pakistan International Airlines, its flight crew, Pakistani fashion designers and online commenters.
- What
- PIA unveiled new crew uniforms and faced criticism that it should prioritize operational and service improvements.
- When
- The uniforms were unveiled at a gala event earlier in 2026, after the crew uniform had remained unchanged for a decade; the articles also report operational measures taken in April 2026.
- Where
- The uniforms were introduced by Pakistan International Airlines; the reported route changes affected the United Arab Emirates, other Gulf destinations, Beijing and Kuala Lumpur.
- Why
- PIA described the redesign as an image makeover, while it has also been managing rising jet-fuel costs, potential losses and broader financial difficulties.
Prioritize Core Operations
Improve the Airline's Image
What should come first?
Prioritize Core Operations
Critics said PIA should focus on aircraft condition, reliability, passenger comfort, cleanliness, washrooms, service quality and staff professionalism before redesigning uniforms.
Improve the Airline's Image
PIA presented the uniforms as an image makeover and refreshed them after a decade, using contributions from leading Pakistani designers.
Cosmetic change versus broader improvement
Prioritize Core Operations
Online commenters described new uniforms as a cosmetic change and called for better seats, clean facilities, entertainment screens, blankets, pillows and staff attitudes.
Improve the Airline's Image
The airline introduced coordinated styles for male and female crew in distinctive colors as a visible change to its presentation.
- Uniform colors
- Deep forest green and soft grey-blue
- Men's uniform
- Tailored jackets, crisp trousers and patterned ties
- Women's uniform
- Fitted waistcoats, matching trousers, scarves and matching caps
- Design contributors
- Maheen Khan, Deepak and Fahad, Generation, Ismail Farid, Munib Nawaz, Deepak Perwani, Faraz Manan, Amir Adnan, HSY and Nomi Ansari
- Fleet change
- PIA added three aircraft to its fleet weeks before unveiling the uniforms
- Flight restrictions
- Flights to the United Arab Emirates were capped at 16 per week; some Gulf, Beijing and Kuala Lumpur services were temporarily suspended
- Privatization
- A consortium led by the Arif Habib Group bought a 75% stake in December 2025 for PKR 135 billion, or $482 million
