LONDON— The United Kingdom has officially lifted its ban on Pakistani Airlines operating flights to the UK. This key announcement enables carriers like Pakistan International Airlines (PK) to apply for flight permissions to London (LHR) and other UK airports.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed Pakistan’s removal from the Air Safety List, recognizing significant improvements in Pakistan’s aviation safety standards. This decision, rooted in technical assessments, marks a notable step in strengthening UK-Pakistan aviation ties.
Photo: Mumbai Planes | Siddh DhuriUK Lifts Ban on Pakistani Airlines
The British High Commission in Islamabad confirmed that Pakistan’s name has been formally removed from the UK’s Air Safety List.
This change allows Pakistani airlines, such as Pakistan International Airlines (PK), to seek operational approvals from the UK CAA to resume flights to British cities like London (LHR), Manchester (MAN), and Birmingham (BHX).
The UK’s Air Safety Committee carried out an independent evaluation of Pakistan’s aviation systems before reaching this decision.
The technical review process focused on safety oversight, compliance, and reforms within Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority. These improvements were critical to reversing the 2020 ban, initially imposed following a scandal involving the verification of pilot licenses in Pakistan.
The British High Commission emphasized that operational approvals are still necessary before any airline can launch services.
Airlines must demonstrate compliance with UK safety and operational regulations, even after being cleared from the safety list.
Photo: By Shadman Samee from Dhaka, Bangladesh – AP-BLD: PIA A320 at DAC, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=90552601Strengthening UK-Pakistan Relations
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott highlighted that the resumption of flights will enhance bilateral relations, reunite families, and boost trade.
The UK is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, with trade volumes exceeding £4.7 billion. Direct air links are expected to further facilitate business and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Marriott expressed gratitude for the cooperation between the two countries’ aviation authorities and said she looks forward to traveling on a Pakistani airline once operations resume.
Enhanced air connectivity is poised to deepen people-to-people ties, an essential aspect of the UK-Pakistan relationship.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrAir Safety List Review Process
The UK’s Air Safety List identifies countries and carriers that do not meet international safety standards, restricting them from operating within the UK.
Reviews are conducted periodically through impartial, technical evaluations by the UK’s Air Safety Committee, independent of political influence.
Pakistan’s removal from the list follows rigorous audits and oversight enhancements by its Civil Aviation Authority. These reforms were necessary to restore international confidence in Pakistan’s aviation oversight capabilities.
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