EU safety agency lifts ban on govt airline after four years

ISLAMABAD: The European Union (EU) has lifted the ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other operators from flying to different European destinations after a four-year pause.

EU Ambassador in Pakistan Rina Kionka said in an X post on Friday that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had taken a technical, and not a political, decision to suspend flights. From 2020 to 2024, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) took a stringent monitoring process to improve, requiring effort and dedication. As a result, EASA’s confidence has been restored, said the EU ambassador. The decision to suspend the earlier decision now authorises Pakistan Airlines to fly to, from, and within Europe. “Well done, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, EU Pakistan and EU Transport,” she added. According to an official announcement made by European Union’s EASA Head of Communication Janet Northcote, “Today, 29 November 2024, the European Air Safety Authority (EASA) has lifted the suspension of the third country operator (TCO) authorisation issued to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and has issued an initial TCO Authorisation to Airblue Limited, both certified in Pakistan”. This marks the end of a long process initiated in 2020, based on factual and verifiable evidence that the ability of Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) to certify and oversee its air operators had degraded below acceptable level.

Since that time, the EASA, in close coordination with the European Commission (EC), which is responsible for the Air Safety List mechanism, has been in a continuous dialogue with the PCAA and both operators, which also included an on-site assessment in Pakistan in November 2023. Based on the significant efforts, made by the PCAA since 2020 and the performances demonstrated by both operators, as per TCO Regulation (EU) No 452/2014, the EASA has now re-established sufficient confidence in the PCAA oversight capabilities and has therefore decided to authorise the two carriers to perform commercial air transport operations to/from/within the EU, the statement concluded.

The ban has been lifted after almost four-year post-former minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan’s statement in parliament. Now it is expected that the British Department of Transport (DFT) and the US FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) are also set to lift their ban on Pakistani airlines, especially PIA. It’s great news for PIA as these profitable routes would improve the financial health of cash-bleeding PIA and its privatisation would also become feasible.

In a formal notification, the EASA informed the Ministry of Aviation (MoA) and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) management of its decision, congratulating the PIA team for meeting its rigorous safety standards. It said that the authorisation holder was entitled to apply for individual operation permits or equivalent documents to perform commercial air transport operations, within or out of the territory subject to the provision of the treaty.

The PIA administration expressed its commitment to fully adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines, adding that the milestone came after four years of consistent efforts by its team to meet the international safety benchmarks. PIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Air Vice Marshal Aamir Hayat lauded the collaborative support of the Ministry of Aviation, Civil Aviation Authority and PIA staff, acknowledging their role in this historic accomplishment.

With the ban lifted, Pakistani travelers can now resume direct flights to European destinations via the national carrier. The decision is seen as a testament to PIA’s compliance with global safety standards, according to a PIA spokesperson.

Nadir Shafi Dar, Director General (DG) of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), also confirmed that third-country operator (TCO) authorisation has been issued to Airblue. He expressed gratitude to the prime minister, aviation minister, and secretary of aviation for their unwavering support, which enabled the CAA to achieve the historic milestone. He commended his entire team for their tireless efforts and dedication to ensuring effective safety oversight.

On this momentous occasion, the CAA DG extended his heartfelt congratulations to the entire Pakistani nation, airlines and the aviation sector. He specially acknowledged officials of the European Commission and European Aviation Safety Agency for their consistent coordination and support throughout the process of lifting the suspension.

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the development. In a statement, the PM congratulated Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, the aviation ministry, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and PIA management. He said that lifting the ban would strengthen PIA’s reputation and benefit it financially. He said it reflected the success of Pakistan’s policies and it would also facilitate air travel for Pakistanis living in Europe.

Also, Minister for Aviation Khawaja Muhammad Asif said in a post on social media platform X, “It is a momentous day to announce that European Commission and EASA has lifted the suspension on PIA flights to Europe.” He said the third country operator (TCO) authorisation had also been issued to PIA and Airblue Limited. Asif said it happened due to the complete focus of the aviation ministry to strengthen PCAA and ensure safety oversight in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation standards. He said the government had taken significant measures to strengthen the CAA, including the enactment of PCAA Act, smooth segregation of regulators and service providers, appointment of professional leadership and training to build capacity.