EASA lifts ban on PIA flights to Europe

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has lifted the ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Europe, ending nearly four years of restrictions.

Defence Minister and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif made the announcement on Friday, confirming that both PIA and Airblue Limited, another Pakistani airline, have been granted authorization to operate in Europe.

Asif attributed the lifting of the suspension to efforts by the Ministry of Aviation to strengthen the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and ensure compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards.

The suspension on PIA flights was imposed in July 2020 after revelations about pilots holding “fake” licenses, which led to concerns about Pakistan’s ability to meet international aviation standards.

The ban had been extended multiple times as the European authorities assessed improvements in safety oversight. Following the suspension, PIA’s operations to the European Union were halted, significantly affecting the airline’s international services.

Asif expressed optimism that the lifting of the suspension would aid in the privatization efforts of PIA, which has been struggling financially.

He also noted that the improved rating of PIA could encourage other countries, including the UK, to lift similar restrictions.

The EASA decision comes after the collapse of PIA’s privatization deal earlier this year, where Blue World City, the sole bidder, failed to meet the government’s valuation for a 60% stake in the airline. PIA remains burdened with substantial liabilities, estimated at around Rs200 billion ($720 million).