Latest Update: MAY 2024 – PIA chances of resuming flights to the UK by 14 AUG 2024 increasing likely – More updates to follow in due course
PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) has faced several bans in the past due to safety concerns and regulatory issues.
In 2007, the European Union partially banned PIA from operating certain flights to Europe (Eu airspace) due to concerns about the airline’s safety standards and regulatory oversight and concerns regarding the safety and maintenance standards of PIA’s aircraft and operations. The ban was lifted in 2009 after PIA implemented several safety measures and improved its safety record.
The restrictions in 2007 were specifically applied to PIA’s Boeing 747 aircraft, preventing them from flying into EU member states. The decision was based on the findings of an audit conducted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which identified deficiencies in PIA’s safety management systems and oversight. The PIA EU black list in 2007 meant they could only operate their Boing 777 aircraft into the EU. (European Airspace). The ban was a precautionary measure taken to ensure the safety of passengers traveling to and from EU member states.
In June 2020, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) suspended PIA’s authorization to operate flights to and from Europe for six months due to concerns about the authenticity of the Pakistani pilot licenses. This followed the grounding of 262 Pakistani pilots, including 141 working for PIA, after it was discovered that they had obtained their licenses through fraudulent means.
In July 2020, several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, suspended PIA’s flight operations in their respective countries due to concerns about the authenticity of the pilot licenses. The bans remain in place almost 2 years after they were first introduced on the national flag carrier and all airline operators of Pakistan.
In December 2020, Saudi Arabia also suspended all international flights, including those of PIA, for a week due to concerns about the new strain of the COVID-19 virus.
Overall, PIA has faced several bans due to concerns about its safety standards and regulatory oversight, and the airline has taken steps to address these concerns.
PIA is still banned from operating to the EU and UK as of today 12th April 2023 although some news is expected in the comming days and weeks about the future of the airline. It should be noted the EU/UK flight ban includes all airlines with licence to operate in Pakistan and not just PIA). Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to receive regular updates on special offers, discounts on flights to pakistan as well as the latest travel news headlines including updates on the latest PIA EU BAN.
Update: July 21 – Pakistan’s Aviation Minister, Khawaja Saad Rafique, announced on Friday that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is poised to resume flights to Britain within the next three months. This decision comes after the airline’s services were suspended in the wake of a fake pilot scandal.
Rafique addressed the parliament, stating that new legislation passed this week has effectively removed the final obstacle for Pakistan’s national carrier to fly to the United Kingdom. However, the minister did not provide specific details about the legislation or why it was necessary to facilitate the resumption of flights.
The revival of services to Britain does not yet encompass other European destinations, but Rafique expressed optimism, saying, “God willing, the PIA flights will resume at least to the UK in three months, and, later, flights to Europe and America will resume.”
Previously, PIA flights to Europe and the UK were halted when the European Union’s Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) withdrew the national carrier’s authorization to operate in the bloc in 2020, following a counterfeit pilot license scandal that had surfaced in the South Asian nation. This unfortunate situation led to the grounding of 262 out of Pakistan’s 860 pilots, including 141 pilots from PIA’s total of 434.
PIA spokesman Abdullah H. Khan expressed the airline’s anticipation for the resumption of the UK route, highlighting its significant contribution to the carrier’s total revenue, as the UK and Europe together account for 37% of the airline’s income.
However, the fake license issue had severely impacted PIA’s financial standing, and Rafique acknowledged the losses incurred by the national airline as a result. He emphasized that extensive restructuring and substantial investments, amounting to billions of dollars, would be necessary to prevent the airline from facing closure.
Furthermore, the government has laid out plans to outsource the country’s airport operations, starting with Islamabad airport, and subsequently including operations at Karachi and Lahore airports. This move is likely aimed at improving efficiency and service quality in the aviation sector.
In conclusion, Pakistan International Airlines is set to make a comeback on the UK route within the next three months, following the resolution of legal obstacles. However, the airline faces significant challenges ahead in terms of financial recovery and restructuring to ensure its long-term sustainability.