PIA Flights to Europe Resume After Four-Year Suspension

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has regained its access to European skies after a four-year hiatus, following the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) decision to lift the ban.

The announcement was made by Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday.

The suspension, which started in 2020, was imposed by EASA after concerns over the validity of pilot licences within Pakistan’s aviation sector.

These concerns were heightened after a PIA flight tragically crashed near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, claiming nearly 100 lives.

At the time, former Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar accused the airline of employing pilots with counterfeit credentials, a claim that led to flight bans from both the EU and the UK—PIA’s most profitable routes.

Improvement in Oversight and Safety Standards

The European regulator has now reversed its decision, acknowledging that PIA has met the necessary safety and oversight requirements.

The removal of the ban signals confidence in the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and its improved compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

“The lifting of the suspension marks a significant step forward for PIA and Pakistan’s aviation sector,” said the aviation minister, celebrating the achievement on social media.

He credited the progress to the government’s focused efforts on reinforcing the PCAA’s safety protocols.

In a statement, EASA confirmed that PIA’s operational standards now align with EU safety guidelines, noting that the agency had maintained close dialogue with the PCAA throughout the process.

Airblue Also Authorized for European Operations

Alongside PIA’s restored access, private carrier Airblue has also been granted the ‘Third Country Operator’ (TCO) authorization, allowing it to operate commercial flights to European destinations.

This marks another significant development in Pakistan’s aviation industry.

“We are pleased to announce that PIA and Airblue are now cleared for air transport operations to and from Europe,” EASA spokesperson Janet Northcote stated.

The decision comes after a rigorous review of Pakistan’s aviation safety oversight, which has been significantly improved over recent years.

A ‘Momentous Day’ for Pakistan’s Aviation Industry

PIA’s spokesperson hailed the decision as a major achievement for the national carrier, which has worked tirelessly over the last four years to restore its standing with international aviation authorities.

“This momentous milestone is the result of relentless efforts by PIA’s management to comply with global safety standards,” the spokesperson said.

PIA CEO, Air Vice Marshal Aamir Hayat, expressed his gratitude to the aviation ministry, PCAA, and all involved parties.

With the lifting of the ban, Pakistanis can now once again travel directly to European destinations with PIA.

“The reopening of these key European routes will provide a much-needed boost to PIA’s operations and revenue,” Hayat remarked.

Celebrations and Industry Impact

The restoration of PIA’s European flights is seen as a major boost not just for the airline but for Pakistan’s broader aviation landscape.

The PCAA’s Director General, Nadir Dar, also congratulated the airline, recognizing the importance of the achievement for the nation’s aviation industry.

“This is a historic achievement that would not have been possible without the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including EASA and the European Commission,” Dar said.

The decision is expected to help the government’s ongoing efforts to privatize PIA. The airline’s European routes were once a major source of revenue, but the ban had caused a significant financial blow.

The government’s recent attempt to privatize PIA faced hurdles, with a bid of Rs10 billion—far below the expected Rs85 billion.

Experts believe that the EASA ban contributed to the lack of investor interest in PIA, as the airline’s losses had soared in recent years.

A Reuters report earlier this year highlighted that PIA had suffered annual losses of around Rs40 billion since the ban was imposed.

With European operations restored, PIA is optimistic about regaining its competitive edge in the region and attracting investment for its future.