In a major breakthrough for Pakistan’s aviation industry, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has officially lifted the ban on Pakistani airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), allowing them to resume direct flights to Europe.

The decision marks a turning point after a three-year suspension, which began in 2020 following concerns over licensing and safety issues.

Defense and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif welcomed the news, stating: "We have undergone numerous audits over the years. In the most recent audit, Pakistani airlines were rated better than many global carriers. This is a testament to our improved safety standards and operational excellence."

Lifting of Suspension on Pakistani Airlines

Issuance of Third Country Operator (TCO) Authorization to PIA and Airblue

It is a momentous day to announce that European Commission and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has lifted the suspension on PIA flights to Europe. Not…
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) November 29, 2024

In a statement published on his official X account, the minister also highlighted that during the PTI government, PIA faced severe challenges and was on the verge of collapse. He further announced that TCO authorisation had been granted to the second Pakistani airline: Airblue Limited.

"It is made possible due to complete focus of Aviation Ministry to strengthen PCAA and ensuring safety oversight in line with ICAO standards. Our Govt has taken significant measures to strengthen PCAA including enactment of PCAA Act, smooth segregation of regulator and service providers, appointment of professional leadership and training to build the capacity. I am grateful to European Commission and EASA for conducting a transparent process and our commitment to ensure Aviation safety in Pakistan," he posted.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the decision to lift the ban on Pakistani airlines.

"The lifting of the ban will not only enhance PIA's reputation but also bring financial benefits," he stated. "This is a manifestation of Pakistan's successful policies. It will facilitate air travel for Pakistanis living in Europe."

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی یورپی کمیشن اور یورپی ایوی ایشن سیفٹی ایجینسی کیجانب سے پاکستان انٹرنیشنل ائیر لائینز کی پروازوں سے پابندی اٹھانے کا خیر مقدم

وزیراعظم کی وفاقی وزیر خواجہ آصف، وزارت ہوابازی، پاکستان سول ایوی ایشن اتھارٹی کے حکام اور پی آئی اے انتظامیہ کو مبارکباد
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— Shehbaz Digital Media (@ShehbazDigital) November 29, 2024

The prime minister congratulated to Khawaja Asif, the Ministry of Aviation, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) officials, and the PIA management for their collective efforts in achieving this milestone.

"The resumption of flights by PIA and private airlines to Europe is a welcome development that will strengthen the aviation industry and positively impact the national economy," commented Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif. "The government has taken several steps to get the ban lifted."

یورپین یونین نے PIA کے روٹ بحال کر دیے۔ وزارت ھوا بازی اور سول ایویشن نے کئی سال کی جدوجہد اور محنت سے وہ تمام سٹینڈرڈ اور آڈٹ کے لوازمات پورے کیے جو یورپین یونین کے کمیشن سے اجازت حاصل کرنے کے لئیے لازم تھے۔ یورپین یونین یہ اجازت نامہ ایک اور پاکستانی ائیر لائن ائر بلیو کو بھی…
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) November 29, 2024

According to the director general of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), this achievement was the result of efforts by the prime minister, the Aviation Ministry, and the Civil Aviation Authority.

"The continuous efforts of the CAA team have been appreciated. This has been possible with the cooperation of the European Commission and EASA," the DG CAA said, appreciating the tireless work of all stakeholders involved.

The PIA stated that the EASA has formally informed the Ministry of Aviation and the PIA management in a letter about the lifting of the ban. The safety agency also congratulated the PIA management for meeting the strictest standards.

یورپی ائیر سیفٹی ایجنسی(ایاسا) کی جانب سے پاکستانی ائیرلائنز پر پابندی اٹھانے کا فیصلہ. ایاسا نے اپنے مکتوب میں وزرات ہوابازی اور پی ائی اے انتظامیہ کو باضابطہ آگاہ کردیا. پی ائی اے انتظامیہ نے گزشتہ 4 سال کی انتھک محنت کے بعد یہ اہم سنگ میل عبور کیا
— PIA (@Official_PIA) November 29, 2024

"This milestone is a result of four years of tireless efforts by PIA’s management to meet the strictest safety and operational standards set by EASA," the spokesperson said, adding that passengers will now be able to travel directly to European sectors on the national airline again.

PIA has committed to maintaining full compliance with international aviation safety regulations moving forward.

The EASA had suspended the PIA from operating in EU member states for six months, starting July 1, 2020, following concerns over pilot licensing issues. The PIA spokesperson announced that the decision had been taken after former aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan revealed that 262 pilots held “dubious” licenses. In response, EASA stated that its investigation had uncovered a “large share” of invalid pilot licenses.

“EASA has temporarily suspended PIA's authorisation to operate to the EU member states for a period of 6 months effective July 1, 2020, with the right to appeal against this decision,” a PIA statement said.

The airline had also announced the temporary suspension of all flights to European destinations, offering passengers the option to reschedule their bookings or request a full refund. However, PIA later secured a two-day relief, allowing its flights to land in Europe and the UK from July 1 to 3, 2020, with overflight permissions remaining in place until further notice.

Confirming the move, the EASA had in a statement referred to an investigation by Pakistan, which it said showed a “large share” of pilot licences to be invalid. "The PIA is in contact with EASA to allay their concerns and to take necessary corrective measures along with filing the appeal against the decision," its press release had said.

The national airline "sincerely hopes that with reparative and swift actions taken by the Government of Pakistan and PIA management, earliest possible lifting of this suspension can be expected", it added.

Speaking in the National Assembly in June 2020, the then minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan had told the House that Pakistan had 860 active pilots, but 262 of them did not personally appear for their licensing exams.

Highlighting that the hiring process did not take merit into account, Khan had stated that nearly 40% of the pilots possess fake licenses and lack proper flying experience. "Almost 40% of pilots have fake licenses, and they do not have flying experience either," he had said.

He told the assembly that his government at the time had begun taking strict action against unqualified pilots. "In the first phase, 54 such pilots were identified. Show cause notices were issued to 24 and nine others confessed that they were unqualified," he maintained.