Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) issued an apology after an advertisement featuring a plane that appeared to be flying directly toward the Eiffel Tower caused outrage online.
The image, posted on the airline’s official X (Twitter) account and shown here, was intended to mark the first flight to Paris since safety restrictions were lifted, but it drew quick and fierce criticism for its perceived insensitivity. The illustration showed a plane overlaying the French flag that appeared to be flying directly toward the Eiffel Tower.
Social media was swift and brutal in calling out the ad. The country’s deputy prime minister said the ad was an act of “stupidity,” while the prime minister called for an inquiry.
The airlines’ spokeperson, Abdullah Hafeez said the ad was meant to celebrate the airline’s resumption of flights to Europe. “We want to make it clear that we had no intention to hurt the feelings of anyone,” Hafeez stated. The ad is still visible on their X account.