Pakistani Airlines’ operations in Europe get one step closer to resumption

In a significant development for Pakistan’s aviation industry, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has taken a step towards restoring the operations of Pakistani airlines in Europe by lifting the ban, as reported by The News on Monday.

According to sources, both the European Commission and EASA have forwarded the decision to lift the ban to the European Air Safety Committee for approval.This positive development follows a recent visit by a high-level delegation from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), led by the CAA DG, to Europe. The delegation briefed European authorities on the measures taken to restore flights by Pakistani airlines in European countries.Furthermore, another delegation led by the secretary of the aviation division is set to depart for Brussels today to attend the upcoming European Air Safety Committee meetings from May 14 to 16.The ban on Pakistani airlines was imposed by European authorities in July 2020 after concerns were raised regarding pilots possessing “fake” licenses, as highlighted by the then aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar. This ban had a significant impact on the aviation industry, which was already facing scrutiny globally due to issues such as pilots with questionable qualifications.EASA’s decision to lift the ban suggests a potential renewal of third-country operators’ licenses for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Vision Airlines. While discussions during the meeting will primarily focus on PIA and Vision Air, it’s important to note that there is no ban on other Pakistani airlines in European countries, as clarified by an EC spokesperson.EASA licenses, recognized by the European Union, hold significance not only within EU member states but also in various other countries. However, a spokesperson for PIA expressed unawareness of these recent developments but conveyed appreciation for the possibility of a favorable decision. They emphasized the need to await the outcome of the European Air Safety Committee meeting.