Pakistani airlines cleared for UK flights after 4-year suspension
British High Commissioner hails collaborative aviation reform efforts
ISLAMABAD: The United Kingdom has officially removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List, lifting a ban that had barred Pakistani airlines from operating direct flights to the UK since July 2020.
The ban was initially enforced in response to revelations regarding fake pilot licences, a scandal that emerged in the aftermath of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) crash in Karachi which claimed nearly 100 lives.
The decision was announced by the UK’s Air Safety Committee following years of technical collaboration with Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).
The British High Commission confirmed the development on Wednesday, stating that the move followed a thorough review of Pakistan’s aviation safety standards.
Permits still required
Although this marks a major regulatory breakthrough, Pakistani carriers must still apply for individual operating permits from the UK Civil Aviation Authority before they can restart services. This procedural step ensures each airline is compliant with current UK operational standards.
Pakistan was first placed on the Air Safety List in 2021 after widespread concerns emerged about pilot certifications. The move had severe implications, with carriers barred from flying to the UK, European Union, and United States.
Boost for travel, trade
The development is expected to ease travel for more than 1.6 million people of Pakistani origin residing in the UK, along with supporting stronger trade connections. Current bilateral trade between the two countries stands at £4.7 billion, with the UK ranked as Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, welcomed the decision, stating, “While flights won’t resume overnight, I look forward to flying with a Pakistani airline once services restart.” She thanked aviation experts in both countries for their sustained work to meet international safety benchmarks.
Earlier this year, PIA resumed its operations to Europe after receiving clearance from EU aviation regulators. The airline relaunched Islamabad–Paris flights in January and added a Lahore–Paris route in June.