The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) officially lifted its four-year ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), allowing the national carrier to resume flights to Europe. The decision comes after extensive reviews and audits, confirming that PIA has met the necessary safety and regulatory standards set by European authorities. The ban was initially imposed in June 2020 following a crash in Karachi that killed nearly 100 people and subsequent revelations about the validity of numerous Pakistani pilots' licenses, including several at PIA. This suspension barred PIA from operating flights to the EU, significantly impacting its international operations and financial health.
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EASA's decision to reinstate PIA's authorization was based on the airline's rigorous efforts to overhaul its safety and operational procedures. Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has been working closely with EASA to address the concerns, implementing a comprehensive corrective action plan. This included enhancing oversight capabilities, reforming licensing procedures, and improving overall safety management systems. "The European Commission and EASA have lifted the suspension on PIA flights to Europe after a thorough assessment," stated an EASA spokesperson. "This marks the end of a long process initiated in 2020, based on factual and verifiable evidence that the ability of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) to certify and oversee its air operators had been restored to acceptable levels."
The reinstatement is expected to have a positive impact on PIA's revenue, which had been severely affected by the restrictions. Previously, the ban cost PIA nearly 40 billion Pakistani rupees ($144 million) annually in lost European routes. With the ban lifted, PIA can now reconnect with key European destinations, potentially boosting tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Europe.
Pakistan's Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif expressed gratitude towards EASA for the transparent evaluation process, adding that this development reflects Pakistan's commitment to ensuring aviation safety. "It's a momentous day to announce that the European Commission and EASA have lifted the suspension on PIA flights to Europe. Not only does this open up direct flights for our travelers, but it also signifies our dedication to meeting international safety standards," he commented. This milestone allows PIA to re-establish its footprint in the European market while signaling a return to normalcy for Pakistan's international aviation activities.
