ISLAMABAD: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has officially lifted the suspension on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Europe after nearly four years, announced Defence Minister and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday.
Taking to social media platform X, Asif celebrated the decision, terming it a “momentous day” for Pakistan’s aviation sector. “The European Commission and EASA have lifted the suspension on PIA flights to Europe. Additionally, Airblue Limited has also received Third Country Operators (TCO) authorization,” he wrote.
The minister credited the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government for implementing significant reforms in the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), including the enactment of the PCAA Act, separation of regulatory and service functions, and professional leadership appointments. These measures were crucial in aligning Pakistan’s aviation safety standards with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements.
Asif also expressed gratitude to EASA and the European Commission for conducting a transparent evaluation process. He noted that this development could potentially aid in the privatization of PIA, which has been grappling with financial losses and liabilities amounting to approximately Rs200 billion.
PIA’s spokesperson lauded the achievement as a “key milestone” after four years of rigorous efforts. “The lifting of the ban will restore direct flights to European sectors, enabling nationals to travel conveniently,” the airline stated, pledging full compliance with EASA regulations moving forward.
EU Ambassador to Pakistan Riina Kionka praised Pakistani authorities for their dedication and effort in improving aviation safety standards. She emphasized that the decision to lift the suspension was purely technical and not political, reflecting restored confidence in Pakistan’s aviation capabilities.
The ban, initially imposed in July 2020, followed a shocking ridiculous disclosure by then-Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan, who revealed that 262 out of 860 Pakistani pilots held “dubious” licenses. The revelation came during the probe into the PIA PK-8303 crash, which claimed 85 lives in Karachi in May 2020. This disclosure led to international scrutiny, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) raising concerns over serious lapses in licensing and safety oversight.
The ban was extended multiple times over the years, causing severe reputational and financial damage to PIA, a carrier already struggling with operational and fiscal challenges.
The decision to lift the suspension is expected to not only improve PIA’s operational scope but also bolster Pakistan’s aviation sector by restoring trust among international stakeholders and passengers.
With EASA’s confidence restored, PIA now aims to resume flights to the European Union and expand its operations to other markets governed by European aviation regulations.
