PIA to resume flights to Europe as EU lifts ban

The European Union (EU) has officially lifted its four-year ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other operators, allowing them to resume flights to European destinations.

The ban, imposed in 2020, stemmed from concerns about the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority’s (PCAA) compliance with international safety standards, particularly its certification and oversight of air operators.

Over the past four years, the PCAA worked extensively to address these issues, implementing reforms to enhance safety and operational standards. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), recognizing these improvements, restored its confidence in Pakistan’s aviation sector and removed the restrictions.

PIA and Airblue have been granted limited commercial air transport rights within the EU. This decision is expected to boost PIA’s financial recovery and pave the way for its potential privatization.

Other organizations, including the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are also anticipated to lift their bans soon, further solidifying Pakistan’s progress in aviation safety.

Officials, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, have welcomed the decision, crediting the government’s focus on strengthening the PCAA and aligning its practices with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.

This milestone marks a significant achievement for Pakistan’s aviation sector, improving its global reputation and operational prospects.

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