Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) recently resumed flights from Islamabad to Paris after four years, a move that should have been celebrated. However, the airline’s latest advertisement promoting the route has gone viral for all the wrong reasons, sparking a wave of online criticism and controversy.
The ad features a PIA jet flying directly toward the Eiffel Tower, with the French tricolor flag in the background. While the intention was likely to capture the excitement of reconnecting the two destinations, the design sparked unease among viewers. Many felt that the airplane’s trajectory and the dark color scheme gave an unsettling impression.
Adding to the backlash, the caption “Paris, we’re coming today” caused further concern, with some social media users interpreting it as ominous. This led to numerous online reactions, with many pointing out the similarity of the ad to imagery associated with tragic events like 9/11.
The controversy gained momentum as netizens jokingly speculated whether the ad was hinting at something far darker. Memes circulated widely, with some even comparing the Paris ad to a hypothetical scenario involving the Twin Towers in New York City.
The backlash has put PIA in the spotlight, with critics questioning the advertising agency responsible for the campaign. Many have urged the airline to rethink its design and marketing strategies to avoid similar missteps in the future.
While the ad seems to be an unintentional oversight, it serves as a reminder of the importance of considering public perception when creating promotional materials. PIA has not yet commented on the controversy, but the incident underscores the need for more careful planning to avoid turning a celebratory moment into a PR mishap.
This situation highlights how a single design choice can spark unexpected reactions, particularly on social media, where impressions are formed quickly, and discussions spread rapidly.
