State-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed flight operations to the United Kingdom, ending a five-year suspension imposed in the wake of a fake pilot licence scandal. The first flight since July 2020 departed from Islamabad to Manchester on Saturday, carrying 284 passengers.
The resumption of service marks a major step in restoring PIA’s international standing, which suffered a severe blow following the controversy. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif was present to mark the departure of the inaugural flight.
The Scandal and Suspension
PIA flights were grounded by both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in 2020. This drastic action followed a tragic air crash in Karachi that killed nearly 100 passengers and the subsequent revelation that a significant number of Pakistani pilots were operating on fraudulent licences. The discovery raised serious questions about the safety and regulatory standards within Pakistan’s civil aviation sector.
Path to Reinstatement
The process of reinstatement has been lengthy and demanding, requiring the airline and Pakistani aviation authorities to overhaul their safety and licensing procedures.
- EASA officially lifted its ban in November of last year, signaling an initial approval of the reforms undertaken by Pakistan.
- The UK followed suit, removing Pakistan from its Air Safety List in July this year, which permitted Pakistani airlines to apply for operating licenses in Britain once again.
PIA has announced its plan to initially run two weekly flights between Islamabad and Manchester, scheduled for Tuesdays and Saturdays. The airline also stated its intention to gradually expand operations to include routes to London and Birmingham, aiming for a full restoration of its pre-ban network in the UK.
The return of PIA to the UK is seen as a crucial diplomatic and commercial achievement for Pakistan, symbolizing a renewed commitment to international safety standards and a re-establishment of a vital travel link for the Pakistani diaspora.