Isalamabad – In a significant development, the United Kingdom has officially removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List, effectively ending a years-long ban on Pakistani carriers operating direct flights to the UK.
The decision, confirmed by the UK’s Air Safety Committee, follows comprehensive technical cooperation with Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and a review of safety protocols. The move enables Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other carriers to apply for individual operating permits from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
The ban, initially imposed in 2020 after revelations of irregularities in pilot licensing, had severely impacted Pakistan’s aviation sector. PIA alone reported an annual revenue loss of nearly Rs40 billion due to the suspension of its profitable UK routes, which include London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott welcomed the announcement, crediting the collaborative efforts of aviation experts from both countries. “While flight services won’t resume immediately, I look forward to flying with a Pakistani carrier soon,” she said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the development as a “milestone” in restoring international confidence in Pakistan’s aviation safety. He also criticized the previous government for damaging the country’s image through “irresponsible” public remarks.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif echoed the sentiment, stating that the removal from the safety list marks the culmination of over three years of diplomatic and regulatory efforts. He credited both PM Shehbaz and former aviation minister Khawaja Saad Rafique for driving the reform process.
PIA has already submitted its proposed schedule, aiming to resume flights with three weekly operations between Islamabad and Manchester, pending UK approval.
This breakthrough follows the EU’s earlier decision this year to lift a similar ban, which allowed PIA to operate direct flights to Paris. The airline is currently undergoing partial privatization under a broader economic reform agenda backed by the IMF.
With over 1.6 million people of Pakistani origin residing in the UK, the move is expected to ease travel, enhance trade, and help Pakistan reclaim key long-haul routes.
