Islamabad, November 29, 2024 – Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif announced today that the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have lifted the ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), allowing it to resume flights to Europe after a three-year suspension.
The ban was imposed in 2020 following a tragic PIA plane crash in Karachi and a subsequent fake pilot license scandal. The suspension cost PIA an estimated annual revenue of nearly Rs40 billion and restricted access to some of its most lucrative routes.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the aviation minister called it a “momentous day,” stating:
“The European Commission and EASA have lifted the suspension on PIA flights to Europe. Third Country Operator authorization has also been issued to Airblue.”
Khawaja Asif credited the development to the aviation ministry’s focus on enhancing the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and aligning with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
“Our government enacted the PCAA Act, streamlined the separation of regulator and service providers, appointed professional leadership, and invested in capacity-building through training,” he said.
Progress and challenges
The minister highlighted the efforts made by Pakistan’s civil aviation bodies over the past three years, including multiple audits and a corrective action plan addressing deficiencies. He also praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for closely monitoring the process.
“It was a challenging process, but we achieved it with perseverance. This is a significant milestone for the aviation ministry and PCAA,” Asif added.
Despite the ban being lifted, Asif acknowledged challenges facing PIA, particularly the need for new aircraft to operate on European routes. He tied this requirement to PIA’s ongoing privatization process, describing the resumption of European operations as a “major value addition” that could attract potential buyers.
Background and future outlook
In May, Pakistan was removed from the European Commission’s safety concern list, a move that paved the way for the restoration of flights. The decision followed the PCAA’s submission of a corrective action plan and progress reports to address safety and oversight deficiencies.
While expressing optimism about the resumption of PIA flights to Europe and the UK, the minister stopped short of providing an exact timeline, stating, “It is now a matter of time.”
Looking ahead
Khawaja Asif expressed hope that lifting the ban would restore PIA’s reputation and bolster its financial recovery. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to aviation safety, stating, “We will ensure that PIA and other carriers operate with the highest standards, whether under state ownership or private management.”
The resumption of flights marks a significant milestone for Pakistan’s aviation sector, offering opportunities for growth and greater connectivity with Europe.
