Pakistan Airlines’ New Makeover Backfires Online:'Forget The Uniform, Will The AC Work?'

Islamabad: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is in the news these days regarding its new uniform. The airline organised a special fashion show on September 16, in which nine Pakistani designers presented the designs of the proposed new uniforms for 2026. PIA presented it as a fusion of Pakistani fashion, identity and the future of aviation. However, the discussion about this initiative on social media focused more on the airline's past problems than on the uniforms.

Why was a fashion show organised for the new uniform?

PIA organised this event with Pakistani fashion designers to give a new and modern look to the uniforms of its employees. In this, the designers presented such designs, which kept in mind ease of working, airline identity and practicality along with fashion.

The airline also shared the video of the fashion show on social media platform X. According to PIA, an attempt has been made to combine fashion, functionality, identity and purpose in the new design.

Why did the airline start getting criticised on social media?

After the fashion show, social media users gave different reactions to PIA's new uniform. Many users raised the question of why so much attention is being given to changing the uniforms when other issues related to the airline are more important to the passengers.

One user sarcastically asked whether the AC of the plane will also work properly with the new uniform. The comment prompted several reactions regarding the airline's services and past complaints from passengers.

What issues did the passengers mention?

Some social media users said the airline should focus on new uniforms as well as aircraft, engineering and operational services. Some people talked about giving priority to better aircraft, more destinations and better passenger facilities.

One user also pointed out the need to increase the number of direct flights from PIA like Stockholm. At the same time, in some responses, emphasis was laid on improving the operational system of the airline before branding.

Were questions raised regarding delays and services?

A social media user jokingly wrote that he is waiting for the time when the air hostess wearing a new uniform will tell the passengers that their flight has been delayed indefinitely. Such reactions reflected PIA's perception of its flight operations and passenger services.

However, these comments are reactions from social media users and cannot be considered as an independent review of all the services of the airline.

Is the new uniform for PIA becoming the reason for discussion?

PIA's new uniform project was originally conducted with the aim of revamping the brand identity of the airline. But social media discussion linked it to passengers' expectations and questions about the airline's services.

In such a situation, along with the new uniform proposed for 2026, the question is also being discussed whether PIA will make changes in its branding along with its passenger services and operational arrangements in the coming time.