The aviation safety watchdog of Europe, European Commission and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), has lifted the suspension on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and also issued authorisation to Airblue flights to Europe, Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif said on Friday.
With the development, the nation can once again travel directly to European destinations using the national flag carrier, confirmed PIA separately in a statement.
“It is made possible due to the complete focus of the Aviation Ministry to strengthen PCAA and ensure safety oversight in line with ICAO standards,” Asif said in a post on X.
The ban, imposed in 2020, followed a devastating PIA plane crash in Karachi that killed nearly 100 people and exposed a scandal involving fake pilot licenses.
As a result, EASA barred PIA from operating on its most lucrative routes in Europe and the UK, costing the airline an estimated annual revenue of PKR 40 billion ($143.73 million).
The decision comes after a year of the visit of a team of EASA and the European Commission to Pakistan. They reviewed measures taken by the PCAA regarding issues of pilot licences, airworthiness and flight safety.
An on-site review conducted from November 27 to 30, 2023, critically examined the PCAA’s role in safety oversight and identified multiple areas of concern.
The EU Air Safety Committee concluded that
“particular attention should be given to the continuous monitoring of the safety situation and developments in Pakistan, through the regular organisation of technical meetings in Brussels before each EU Air Safety Committee, and regular progress reporting from PCAA.”
In his tweet, Asif hailed the government’s significant measures to strengthen PCAA including the enactment of the PCAA Act,
“We focused on aligning with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards,” he said, citing reforms like enacting the PCAA Act, separating regulatory and service provider roles, appointing professional leadership, and improving training programs.
The minister thanked the European Commission and EASA for conducting a transparent process and commitment to ensure aviation safety in Pakistan.
PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez also confirmed that EASA has lifted the ban on Pakistan airlines.
PIA CEO Air Vice Marshal Aamir Hayat also extended his congratulations to the officials of the Ministry of Aviation, the Civil Aviation Authority, and PIA team in particular for efforts to get the ban lifted.
Pakistan International Airlines released a press note saying,
We are thrilled to announce that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has officially lifted the ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
This significant milestone marks a new chapter for PIA, enabling the airline to resume flights to Europe and provide world-class services to its valued passengers.
Thank you for your trust and continued support. Stay tuned for updates on routes and schedules!
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also posted on X about the development.
“This Authorisation confirms that M/S Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited has demonstrated to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency compliance with the requirements of Annex I (Part-TCO) to Commission Regulation (EU) No 452/2014."
“The Authorisation holder is entitled to apply for individual operating permits or equivalent documents to perform commercial air transport operations into , within or out of the territory subject to the provisions of the Treaty in accordance with the conditions defined in the specifications in their latest version as published electronically,” the EASA letter, shared by the foreign minister, stated.
Additionally, the minister revealed that Airblue, a private Pakistani airline, has also been granted third-country operator authorization by EASA.
The PCAA submitted a corrective action plan in May 2023, addressing deficiencies noted during a comprehensive on-site review conducted in November. This effort played a key role in regaining trust.
He had further revealed that the European Commission and European Air Safety Commission had delisted Pakistan from its concern list on May 14, and had hoped that the PIA flights to Europe would be restored soon.
EASA has formally informed the Ministry of Aviation and the PIA management of their decision through an official communique, Hafeez said.
PIA’s privatisation efforts had been hindered by the EASA ban with potential bidders looking at the airline with reluctance.
“From 2020 to 2024, Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority undertook a stringent, monitored process to improve requiring effort and dedication,” EU Ambassador to Pakistan Riina Kionka wrote in a post on X.
“As a result, EASA’s confidence has been restored. Like the decision now to authorise Pakistan airlines to fly to, from and within the Europe was a technical, not a political decision,” she said.
The European Commission has advised EU member states to conduct frequent ramp inspections to ensure compliance, leaving open the possibility of further audits or hearings if required.
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