LONDON: The United Kingdom has removed Pakistan International Airlines (PUA) and other Pakistani airlines from its Air Safety List, effectively lifting restrictions on the national flag carrier.
According to the British High Commission, Pakistani airlines can now apply for permission to operate flights to the UK.
The High Commission said the decision was made by the UK Air Safety Committee after improvements in aviation safety. Airlines will still need to secure operating approvals from the UK Civil Aviation Authority before starting flights.
The removal from the safety list was described as the result of an independent, technical process. British High Commissioner Jane Marriott thanked experts from both countries for their cooperation, saying she looks forward to flying with a Pakistani airline.
The High Commission also noted that improved air links will help families reunite and strengthen ties. The UK is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, with annual trade between the two countries valued at £4.7 billion.
In 2020, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK had banned Pakistani airlines from operating flights to Europe and the UK after a pilot licensing scandal in Pakistan, which revealed serious irregularities in the issuance of licenses. This raised international concerns over the safety standards of Pakistani carriers, prompting bans and strict scrutiny.
Since then, Pakistan’s aviation authorities have been working to overhaul safety oversight and improve regulatory practices. The lifting of the ban reflects the progress made in addressing these issues, signaling restored confidence in Pakistan’s aviation system and paving the way for direct flights to resume between Pakistan and the UK.
