UK Removes Pakistan from Air Safety List, Paving Way for Flights to Resume

Aviation Milestone: UK Greenlights Return of PIA and Airblue After Safety Clearance

The United Kingdom has officially removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List, a move that allows Pakistani airlines to apply for permission to resume flights to the UK. This follows a successful aviation security inspection at Islamabad International Airport by the UK’s Department for Transport, which found Pakistan’s safety standards to be satisfactory and aligned with international norms. The development was announced by the British High Commission, with High Commissioner Jane Marriott calling it a significant milestone and praising the collaborative efforts between the two countries' aviation authorities.

PIA had been banned from flying to the UK, EU, and US in June 2020 after a tragic crash in Karachi that killed nearly 100 people. The ban was exacerbated by revelations from former aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan about fake pilot licenses, which severely damaged PIA's global reputation. The UK’s decision to delist Pakistan now restores credibility to the country’s aviation industry. Airblue has also been cleared to operate in the UK, and the government plans to apply for flight routes to resume soon, possibly by August 14.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other top officials welcomed the decision, citing improved connectivity and enhanced trade opportunities between the UK and Pakistan. Over 1.6 million people of Pakistani origin live in the UK, and the resumption of direct flights will significantly benefit families, businesses, and the diaspora. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted the diplomatic and technical efforts behind the move, while Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif credited three years of consistent work by civil aviation authorities and regulators.

In a press conference, Asif also blamed the PTI government, especially former PM Imran Khan and ex-minister Ghulam Sarwar, for the reputational and financial damage to PIA. He called their public remarks about fake licenses a “crime against the state.” Asif emphasized the importance of accountability and suggested that the Prime Minister should order an inquiry. Looking ahead, he mentioned that the government plans to privatize PIA, expecting the airline’s restored reputation to fetch a better market value. He also revealed that US aviation regulators will visit Pakistan by September, with hopes of restarting flights to the US soon.