The EU’s safety agency lifted the ban on the state-owned airline after four years

ISLAMABAD: The European Union (EU) has lifted the ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other operators from flying to various European destinations after a gap of four years.

EU Ambassador to Pakistan Reena Cuenca said in an X-Post on Friday that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) decision to suspend the flights was not political but technical. From 2020 to 2024, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) began a rigorous monitoring process to improve, which required hard work and dedication. The EU ambassador said that as a result, confidence in EASA has been restored. The decision to suspend the earlier decision now allows Pakistan Airlines to fly to, from and within Europe. “Very well, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, European Union Pakistan and European Union Transport,” he added. According to an official announcement made by European Union EASA Head of Communications Janet Northcott, “Today, on 29 November 2024, the European Air Safety Authority (EASA) issued Pakistan International Airlines (TCO) a Third Country Operator. (TCO) has lifted the suspension of authorization. PIA) and Air Blue Limited have issued initial TCO authority, both certified in Pakistan. This marks the culmination of a long process initiated in 2020, based on factual and verifiable evidence that the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority’s (PCAA) ability to certify and monitor its air operators is at an acceptable level. has fallen below

Since then, EASA, in close coordination with the European Commission (EC), which is responsible for the Air Safety List mechanism, has been in continuous dialogue with the PCAA and both operators, including an on-site review. is Pakistan in November 2023. Based on the significant efforts made by PCAA since 2020 and the performance of both operators in accordance with TCO Regulation (EU) No. 452/2014, EASA has now re-established substantial confidence in PCAA’s oversight capabilities. and has therefore decided to allow both carriers to carry out commercial air transport operations within/to/within the EU, the statement concluded.

The ban has been lifted after former minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan’s statement in Parliament almost four years later. Now it is expected that the British Department of Transport (DFT) and the US FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) are also ready to lift the ban on Pakistani airlines, especially PIA. This is great news for PIA as these profitable routes will improve the financial health of the cash-strapped PIA and its privatization will also become possible.

In a formal notification, EASA communicated its decision to the Ministry of Aviation (MoA) and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) management, congratulating the PIA team for meeting the stringent safety standards. It states that the Permitting Person is entitled to apply for individual operation permits or equivalent documents to carry out commercial air transport operations within or outside the territory under the provisions of the Agreement.

The PIA management expressed its commitment to fully comply with EASA regulations and guidelines, adding that this milestone marks four years of continuous efforts by its team to meet international safety standards. is obtained after PIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Air Vice Marshal Aamir Hayat acknowledged their role in this historic feat and appreciated the mutual cooperation of the Ministry of Aviation, Civil Aviation Authority and PIA staff.

With the lifting of the ban, Pakistani passengers can now resume direct flights to European destinations through the national carrier. According to a PIA spokesperson, the decision is being seen as proof of PIA’s compliance with global safety standards.

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Director General (DG) Nadir Shafi Dar also confirmed that Air Blue has been issued a Third Country Operator (TCO) permit. He thanked the Prime Minister, the Aviation Minister, and the Aviation Secretary for their unwavering support, which enabled the CAA to achieve the historic milestone. He appreciated the tireless efforts and dedication of his entire team to ensure effective safety monitoring.

On this momentous occasion, the DG of CAA extended his heartfelt congratulations to the entire Pakistani nation, airlines and aviation sector. He particularly appreciated the authorities of the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency for their continued coordination and cooperation throughout the process of lifting the suspension.

Apart from this, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed this development. In a statement, the Prime Minister congratulated Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Ministry of Aviation, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and PIA administration. He said lifting the ban would strengthen the reputation of PIA and benefit it financially. He said that this reflects the success of Pakistan’s policies and will also facilitate air travel for Pakistanis living in Europe.

Also, Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said in a post on social media platform X, “It is an important day to announce that the European Commission and EASA have banned PIA flights from Europe. The ban has been lifted.” He said that third country operator (TCO) permission has also been issued to PIA and Air Blue Limited. Asif said this was due to the Ministry of Aviation’s strengthening of PCAA and ensuring safety oversight as per International Civil Aviation Organization standards. He said the government has taken important steps to strengthen the CAA, including implementation of the PCAA Act, smooth separation of regulators and service providers, appointment of professional leadership and capacity building. Training is included.