PIA Returns to European Skies: Ban Lifted After Safety Reforms

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) announced the lifting of the ban that had prevented Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in its member states.

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This decision marks a significant return for the airline, which had been banned in June 2020 due to concerns about the ability of Pakistani authorities, particularly the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), to ensure compliance with international aviation safety standards.

Accident

According to the affiliated outlet Aeroin, the original suspension of PIA’s operations in the European Union occurred after a tragic air accident that caused the crash of one of the airline’s planes and claimed the lives of 97 people.

Subsequent investigations revealed concerns about the validity of some pilot licenses in Pakistan, leading to the suspension of 262 out of the country’s 860 registered pilots, including 141 from PIA, whose licenses were deemed «dubious» by the then-Minister of Aviation.

Restoring Confidence

In a statement sent to Reuters, a spokesperson for EASA said that the agency had «restored sufficient confidence in the oversight capabilities of the PCAA», with the decision to allow PIA to resume its commercial operations in the EU based on the «significant efforts» made by the Pakistani authority to improve the situation. Although the investigation did not reveal serious issues, the PCAA was under pressure to demonstrate improvements.

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Pakistan International Airlines celebrated the restoration of its status and pledged to strictly adhere to EASA standards. Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khwaja Asif, expressed that lifting the ban would revitalize the national airline, which is facing serious financial challenges and privatization efforts.

Financial Impact

The ban had a significant financial impact on PIA, which failed to generate around 40 billion Pakistani rupees (approximately USD 144 million) annually due to the restriction. Both PIA and the government of Pakistan worked hard to persuade EASA to lift the ban, even if only temporarily.

In a social media post, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, celebrated the decision, calling it “wonderful news” for the airline and the country’s aviation sector.