Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed on Friday that the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have lifted the suspension on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to European destinations.
Through a post on X, Asif expressed his satisfaction, calling it a “momentous day” and celebrated the decision as a major milestone for the airline. He also announced that Airblue has received approval for Third Country Operator status.
The minister attributed this achievement to the focused efforts of Pakistan’s aviation ministry in revitalizing the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and ensuring that safety measures comply with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
“We have made substantial strides in strengthening the PCAA through reforms such as the implementation of the PCAA Act, establishing clear boundaries between regulators and service providers, and appointing qualified leadership. Additionally, capacity-building training programs have played a vital role in these efforts,” Asif said.
He thanked the European Commission and EASA for their transparent approach throughout the process, emphasizing Pakistan’s dedication to upholding aviation safety standards.
The suspension was imposed by EASA in 2020 after a tragic PIA crash in Karachi and revelations about fraudulent pilot licenses, affecting the airline’s most lucrative routes to Europe and the UK. This move caused a financial blow, resulting in an estimated loss of Rs 40 billion annually. Minister Asif had earlier stated that PIA’s UK flights would resume once EASA approval was granted, a goal expected to be reached by mid-May.
