The United Kingdom has lifted the flight ban imposed after the fake pilot licence scandal. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operated its first flight from Islamabad to Manchester.
Following comprehensive inspections, the United Kingdom lifted the five-year flight ban imposed on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). After the decision, PIA resumed flights to the UK, with its first service on the Islamabad–Manchester route.
According to a statement by Pakistan International Airlines, the first flight organised after the lifting of the ban successfully completed its journey from Islamabad International Airport to Manchester. With this development, the airline has resumed operations on European routes.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif commented on the development, saying: “The Manchester flight is an important step. Next are London and Birmingham. We aim to reopen these routes as soon as possible.”
PAST BAN AND ITS REASONS
PIA came under scrutiny after the crash of flight PK8303 from Lahore to Karachi on 22 May 2020. Only two passengers out of 99 people, including crew, survived. The subsequent investigation revealed that a significant number of Pakistani pilots held fake licences.
As a result, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the United Kingdom, and the United States suspended Pakistan International Airlines’ flight operations. However, in the following years, the airline renewed its certification and inspection processes, enhancing its flight safety standards.
GREEN LIGHT FROM THE UK
Following inspections by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), PIA was found to have regained compliance with international safety standards. Consequently, the flight ban was lifted, and Pakistan International Airlines regained its authorisation to operate flights to the UK.
PIA officials announced that, following the Manchester service, routes to London and Birmingham would also be resumed soon. The airline aims to expand its operations in European and Middle Eastern markets and rebuild brand confidence.
The UK’s decision is considered a significant milestone for Pakistan International Airlines, which seeks to re-establish itself as a reliable carrier in international aviation.
