Ban on PIA flights to Europe lifted, here are major routes to resume in 10 days
In a major breakthrough for Pakistan’s aviation industry, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has officially lifted its three-year ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), allowing the national carrier to resume direct flights to European destinations. The suspension, initially imposed in 2020 over safety and licensing concerns, marked a challenging period for PIA and Pakistan’s aviation sector.
Defence and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif announced the development on Friday, calling it a “momentous day” for Pakistan. “The European Commission and EASA have lifted the suspension on PIA flights to Europe,” he said. The minister attributed the milestone to the Aviation Ministry’s focus on strengthening the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and adhering to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
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Under the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, significant reforms were introduced to rebuild trust in the aviation sector. These measures included the enactment of the PCAA Act, segregation of the regulatory body and service providers, appointment of professional leadership, and capacity-building initiatives. “This achievement reflects our commitment to ensuring aviation safety,” Asif said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the Aviation Ministry, PIA management, and PCAA for their collective efforts. “The lifting of the ban will enhance PIA’s reputation, benefit Pakistanis living in Europe, and strengthen the national economy,” the prime minister stated.
PIA announced plans to begin flight operations to Paris in the initial phase, with more destinations expected to follow soon. The airline also expressed hope that the United Kingdom would lift its restrictions on PIA flights soon.
The EASA ban, imposed in July 2020, followed revelations by then Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan that 262 out of 860 pilots in Pakistan held “dubious” licenses. This disclosure came after an investigation into the PIA PK-8303 crash in May 2020, which raised questions about the country’s aviation safety standards. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also expressed concern over licensing and safety oversight in Pakistan.
The ban had a significant impact on PIA, already burdened with liabilities of around Rs200 billion. The carrier suspended flights to Europe, and passengers were offered refunds or rescheduling options. EASA cited Pakistan’s inability to ensure compliance with international aviation standards as the reason for the continued suspension.
With the lifting of the ban, PIA and other Pakistani carriers, including Airblue Limited, can now operate flights to EU member states. The decision follows years of audits, compliance measures, and operational improvements. “PIA has met the strictest safety and operational standards set by EASA,” a PIA spokesperson stated, adding that the airline is committed to maintaining full compliance with international regulations.
The lifting of the suspension is expected to aid PIA’s privatization efforts, with improved ratings enhancing its appeal to investors. Despite a recent failed bid to sell a 60% stake in the struggling airline, this development is seen as a positive step toward financial recovery.
PIA to start flights to Europe in 10 days, list of European destinations here
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to resume flights to Europe within the next 10 days following the recent lifting of the ban by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Preparations are already underway, with the initial routes planned for Manchester and Paris.
Sources reveal that PIA has also completed arrangements to restart flights to Milan and Paris, with booking schedules expected to be released soon. Additional European destinations, including Barcelona, Birmingham, Bradford, London, Copenhagen, Oslo, and Amsterdam, are on the airline’s radar for future operations.
The ban, imposed by EASA in 2020 over licensing and safety concerns, was officially lifted last week, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan’s aviation sector. Defense and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif hailed the decision, emphasizing that extensive audits had demonstrated the improved safety standards and operational excellence of Pakistani airlines.
PIA also plans to reintroduce flights to New York once it secures necessary permissions from U.S. authorities. Six Boeing 777 aircraft have been designated for flights to Europe, the UK, and the U.S., as part of the airline’s strategy to rebuild its global network and restore its reputation.
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