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Pakistan, November 29, 2024: Pakistan’s aviation sector has achieved a major milestone with the formal lifting of the European Union’s 2020 ban on Pakistani carriers. Initially, the embargo was put in place because of safety concerns, including the discovery of phony pilot certificates after the disaster in Karachi. After four years, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other airlines are now able to fly again to European locations.
In June 2020, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) suspended Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) authorization to operate in Europe for six months. The suspension was extended until March 2021 after 262 pilots with “dubious” licenses were grounded, including 141 from PIA. The incident was triggered by the tragic crash of PIA Flight 8303, which killed 97 people. PIA was blocked from flying to the EU and UK, operating only limited services using wet-leased aircraft. In April 2021, EASA extended the restrictions indefinitely and required the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority to undergo a safety audit.
Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s minister of aviation, confirmed the statement, and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) highlighted the significant changes it has made to comply with international safety regulations. These initiatives included modernizing the certification procedures for pilots and bringing operations into compliance with international aviation standards.
Following an examination of these modifications, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) authorized the removal of the limitations.
Khawaja M. Asif tweeted, “It is a momentous day to announce that the European Commission and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have lifted the suspension on PIA flights to Europe.”
He also confirmed that TCO authorization has been granted to Airblue Limited, the second Pakistani airline to receive this approval. Asif credited the achievement to the government’s efforts to strengthen the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), including the enactment of the PCAA Act, the separation of regulatory and service providers, and the appointment of professional leadership.
He expressed gratitude to EASA and the European Commission for their transparent process, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to aviation safety.
PIA has stated that it is prepared to resume flights to important locations including London, Paris, and Frankfurt, with an emphasis on reestablishing Pakistan’s connections with important European hubs. It is anticipated that the restoration of these routes will improve trade and tourism, increase the national carrier’s earnings, and elevate Pakistan’s reputation in international aviation.
In addition, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted, “Work hard in silence, let your success make the noise” Great news for Pakistan
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has lifted the ban on PIA, paving the way for direct flights to Europe. My special compliments to our aviation minister Khawaja Asif and his entire aviation/ PIA team for their untiring efforts in this regard.
This process was initiated during the PDM government in 2022, with critical efforts led by Ishaq Dar, the then Finance Minister. A proud moment for the nation”
While this milestone represents a step forward for Pakistan’s aviation industry, it also emphasizes the necessity of continued adherence to international norms. Maintaining and capitalizing on this well-earned reinstatement will require restoring passenger trust and ensuring continuous operating safety.
The removal of the restriction would help PIA as well as Pakistan’s aviation sector as a whole, strengthening ties with other countries and enhancing connectivity worldwide.
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