“EASA Lifts Ban on PIA Flights to Europe: A New Era for Pakistani Aviation”

Web Desk: After nearly four years, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted the ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Europe, and Defence and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif announced it on Friday.

Taking to social media platform X, Asif declared it a “momentous day,” adding that the European Commission and EASA have also granted Third Country Operator (TCO) authorization to Airblue Limited, Pakistan’s second airline.

“This achievement reflects the focused efforts of the Ministry of Aviation to strengthen the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and ensure safety oversight in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards,” he said.

Asif credited the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government for key reforms, including enacting the PCAA Act, separating regulatory and service-provider functions, and appointing professional leadership within the aviation sector.

Impact on PIA and Future Plans
In an interview with Geo News, Asif stated that restoring PIA’s flight operations to Europe would pave the way for the privatization of the struggling national carrier. He expressed hope that the United Kingdom and other countries would soon follow suit in lifting their restrictions on PIA flights.

A PIA spokesperson termed the EASA’s decision a “key milestone” achieved through years of rigorous effort. The airline announced plans to resume flights to Paris in the initial phase, with operations expected to begin in the coming weeks.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also praised the development, sharing EASA’s official communication and congratulating Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PIA, and CAA for their collective efforts.

Background: The Ban and Its Fallout
The ban on PIA flights to Europe was first imposed in July 2020 after then-Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar revealed that 262 Pakistani pilots held “dubious” licenses. The announcement followed the PK-8303 crash investigation, which exposed lapses in aviation safety and licensing oversight.

EASA repeatedly extended the suspension over concerns about Pakistan’s compliance with international aviation standards. The ban severely impacted PIA’s global operations, tarnishing the airline’s reputation and financial stability.

EU’s Perspective on the Ban Lift
EU Ambassador to Pakistan Riina Kionka highlighted that the suspension in 2020 was a technical decision, not a political one, and commended Pakistani authorities for meeting EASA’s stringent safety requirements. “EASA’s confidence has been restored, thanks to Pakistan’s dedication and effort,” she noted.

As PIA prepares to resume European operations, this milestone is being seen as a critical step toward reviving Pakistan’s aviation industry and rebuilding international trust.

Privatization Challenges
Despite the lifting of the ban, PIA’s privatization efforts have faced hurdles. A recent attempt failed after the sole bidder, Blue World City, offered Rs10 billion ($35.8 million) for a 60% stake, far below the government’s asking price of Rs85 billion ($304 million). The airline continues to grapple with approximately Rs200 billion in liabilities.