PIA’s European Flight Ban Lifted by EASA
Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif Announces Resumption of Flights to Europe
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) European flight ban has been lifted by the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif announced on Friday that EASA has lifted the ban on PIA for flights to Europe.
This decision marks a significant milestone for PIA, which had been barred from operating on its most lucrative routes since June 2020 due to safety concerns following a tragic plane crash in Karachi that resulted in nearly 100 fatalities and a scandal involving fake pilot licenses.
The EASA imposed the ban after the May 2020 crash of a PIA Airbus A320, which highlighted serious issues within Pakistan’s aviation sector, including non-compliance with safety protocols and the revelation that many pilots held dubious licenses.
A total of 262 pilots were found to have obtained their licenses through fraudulent means, leading to widespread scrutiny of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).
In March 2024, Minister Asif expressed optimism about the resumption of flights to Europe, and his predictions have now come to fruition. He shared on social media, “It is a momentous day to announce that the European Commission and EASA have lifted the suspension on PIA flights to Europe”.
The lifting of the ban is seen as a result of significant reforms undertaken by the aviation ministry, aimed at aligning with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. These reforms included enacting new legislation, improving training programs, and enhancing oversight mechanisms within the PCAA.
Khawaja Asif in a statement posted on X platform, noted that Airblue, another Pakistani airline, has received authorization from EASA to operate as a Third Country Operator in Europe.
He emphasized the need for fleet expansion and privatization efforts to make PIA more competitive and attractive for potential buyers, acknowledging that current fleet shortages pose challenges for resuming operations in Europe and the UK.
The lifting of this ban is not only crucial for PIA’s recovery but also represents a broader effort to restore confidence in Pakistan’s aviation sector after years of mismanagement and safety concerns.
