Is it an Ad or a Warning? PIA’s Eiffel Tower promo ignites online debate

Pakistan International Airlines’ controversial Ad sparks backlash over resumption of Paris flights

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is facing criticism over its promotional advertisement for the resumption of flights between Islamabad and Paris. The ad, heralding the service restart after a four-year European Union ban, has raised eyebrows due to its controversial design, which many have likened to insensitive imagery.

The controversial Ad

The advertisement, released on PIA’s Instagram handle, features a plane appearing to head directly towards the Eiffel Tower, accompanied by the caption, “Paris, we are coming today.” To add to the spectacle, the reel includes a Bruno Mars soundtrack. While intended to announce the relaunch of flights on January 10, 2025, the ad quickly became a source of ridicule and concern online.

pic.twitter.com/qUoNCyL385

— PIA (@Official_PIA) January 10, 2025

Social media users drew parallels between this ad and a 1979 PIA promotion that showed a Boeing 747 casting a shadow on the Twin Towers in New York City—an eerie reminder of the tragic 9/11 attacks in 2001, which claimed 2,997 lives.

Public reaction and criticism

The ad has triggered a flood of reactions across platforms, ranging from humor to outrage:

• Insensitive Imagery: Critics highlighted the graphic design, noting its unsettling resemblance to 9/11 visuals.
• Lack of Historical Awareness: Many questioned the PIA team’s awareness of history, particularly post-9/11 sensitivities.
• Global Concern: Some even suggested the French government take note of the ad, given the imagery’s potentially threatening connotations.

Key reactions included:

• “Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Or is it a threat?” asked satirist Kamlesh Singh.
• “Whoever is in charge of graphics for Pakistan Airlines needs a lesson in history,” remarked another user.
• “France should be careful,” warned a concerned commenter on X.

Memes and mixed reactions

The ad has also inspired a wave of memes, with users poking fun at the perceived oversight. However, others expressed deeper concerns about Pakistan’s ties to terrorism and historical controversies.

One X user wrote:
“In 1979, PIA ran an ad with a 747’s shadow over the Twin Towers. Now, they’ve done it again with the Eiffel Tower. Some lessons just aren’t learnt.”

Background of the EU ban

PIA’s flights to the EU were suspended following a crash in Karachi in 2020, which killed 97 people and revealed safety standard violations. The ban was lifted recently after the airline met regulatory requirements, allowing it to resume operations in Europe, including the Paris route.

Missed sensitivities or a calculated move?

While some believe the ad was a poorly thought-out oversight, others speculate it may have been a deliberate attempt to generate publicity, capitalizing on the principle that “no publicity is bad publicity.”

For millions worldwide, the imagery of planes and iconic landmarks remains a haunting reminder of the 9/11 attacks. PIA’s choice to use such imagery, whether intentional or accidental, has sparked a global conversation that the airline may not have anticipated.

Conclusion

As PIA resumes its Paris flight operations, the controversy surrounding its promotional ad serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of cultural sensitivity and thoughtful communication in a globalized world.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.

The post Is it an Ad or a Warning? PIA’s Eiffel Tower promo ignites online debate appeared first on PGurus.