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According to reports, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) intends to visit Pakistan in mid-January to investigate the situation. As part of the measures, PIA’s direct flights to the UK are scheduled to restart in February. A delegation from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will arrive in Karachi between January 15 and 17 for an inspection of security. The CAA has contacted the UK aviation authorities to request a leave from the security audit.
Why was PIA Banned from UK and Europe
PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) has faced various restrictions due to safety concerns and regulatory difficulties. In 2007, the European Union temporarily barred PIA from conducting various flights to Europe (EU airspace) due to complaints about the airline’s safety standards, regulatory monitoring, and the safety and maintenance standards of PIA’s aircraft and operations. The prohibition was removed in 2009 when PIA introduced novel security protocols and increased its safety record.
In 2007, the limitations applied only to PIA’s Boeing 747 aircraft, preventing them from flying into EU member states. The decision was based on an audit by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which revealed deficiencies in the PIA’s safety management systems and oversight. In 2007, the PIA EU blocklist restricted its ability to operate Boeing 777s in the EU. The embargo was imposed as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of travelers traveling between and within EU member states.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) banned PIA’s authorization to fly to and from Europe for six months in June 2020, citing concerns about the legitimacy of Pakistani pilot licenses. Following the grounded flight of 262 Pakistani pilots, including The Resumption of PIA flights 141 PIA employees, it was discovered that they had obtained their licenses unlawfully.
In July 2020, several governments, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, banned PIA flight operations in their respective countries due to concerns over the authenticity of the pilot licenses. The prohibitions remain PIA’s banned in effect nearly two years after they were first imposed on Pakistan’s national flag carrier and all other aircraft operators.
The Resumption of PIA flights
“The PIA is committed to improving connection and ensuring convenient alternatives to travel for its passengers, both domestically and internationally,” said the spokesperson.
The restart came when the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted the embargo, allowing PIA to resume PIA’s banned services in Europe and the UK.
The embargo was enforced when then-aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan made a contentious statement shortly after the Karachi tragedy regarding the validity of Pakistani pilots, prompting the EASA to bar the airline from its most attractive routes in Europe and Britain.
Pakistan is attempting to privatize the airline, and the reinstatement of flights to Europe will likely aid the authorities in offloading the PIA.
How CAA is Advocating for the UK Ban to be Lifted
According to CAA sources, a delegation from the UK Department for Transport (DFT) will visit Pakistani in mid-January for PIA’s banned. PIA’s direct flight operations to the United Kingdom are set to restart in February. According to Express News, the UK Civil Aviation team is scheduled to land in Karachi on January 15-17, 2025.
PIA is preparing to resume operations in the United Kingdom, beginning with immediate flights to Manchester and then expanding to London and other places in the second phase. PIA will fly its Boeing 777 airplanes to Europe and the United Kingdom.
Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat was previously reappointed as CEO of PIA, according to a notification provided by the Pakistani government. Hayat will operate as the CEO until a permanent appointment.
Benefits for businesses and travelers after Ban
This accomplishment is especially significant since it could boost PIA’s position in the following second bidding process, which would be a big step forward for Pakistan’s aviation industry.
However, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif praised the European Commission and European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of PIA’s banned flights on Friday.
He stated that eliminating the prohibition would improve the PIA’s reputation and financial situation.
“This reflects the success of Pakistan’s strategies and it will additionally encourage air travel for Pakistanis living in Europe,” said the official.
Will the UK fully lift the Ban in 2025
According to the Urdu-language ARY News, a team from the UK Civil Aviation Authority traveled to Karachi International to perform a safety audit before deciding whether Pakistani carriers may restart flights to UK airports. The green light will A – Pakistan International Airlines (PK, Islamabad International), eager to resume flights there and earn hard currency through ticket sales.
Considering a series of incidents, including a false pilot license scam and the tragic crash of a PIA A320-200 near Karachi airport, PIA’s banned which killed 98 people, the US, UK, and EU all prohibited Pakistani airlines from flying scheduled flights to their airports.
The decision resulted in PIA losing around PKR84 billion rupees (USD301 million) in revenue annually. Much of that money came from desperately needed cash from ticket sales in those countries. The financial damage is regarded as one of the reasons for PIA’s continued losses.