In a landmark move for Pakistan’s aviation sector, the UK’s Air Safety Committee has officially lifted its air safety restrictions on Pakistani airlines, acknowledging substantial improvements in compliance with international safety standards.
According to a statement from the British High Commission, while Pakistani carriers are now off the UK Air Safety List, each airline will still need to apply for individual operating permits through the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) before resuming flights to the UK.
“I’m grateful to aviation experts in the UK and Pakistan for their collaborative work to drive improvements to meet international safety standards,” said Jane Marriott, British High Commissioner to Pakistan.
“While it will take time for flights to resume, once the logistics are in place, I look forward to using a Pakistani carrier when visiting family and friends.”
Background: Restrictions Imposed in 2021
The UK imposed restrictions on Pakistani carriers in 2021 following revelations of pilot licensing irregularities and overall safety concerns raised by international regulators. The decision was part of a broader global response that also included bans from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
However, after years of close cooperation between the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and UK aviation experts, the UK’s Air Safety Committee has determined that significant progress has been made to rectify previous shortcomings.
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Independent Technical Review Process
The de-listing decision was made through an independent and technically-driven review overseen by the UK’s Air Safety Committee. The committee has engaged with the PCAA over several years, tracking reforms and safety upgrades implemented by Pakistani aviation authorities.
“The committee has judged that necessary safety improvements have been made since its original decision in 2021,” the statement confirmed.
Implications for Travel and Trade
With over 1.6 million people of Pakistani heritage in the UK and thousands of British nationals residing in Pakistan, this announcement brings significant opportunities for reconnecting families and strengthening people-to-people ties.
The UK is currently Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at £4.7 billion. The lifting of air restrictions is expected to streamline travel, enhance business connectivity, and boost tourism and cargo movement between both nations.
As Pakistani airlines prepare to reapply for UK routes, passenger operations are expected to resume gradually, pending logistical arrangements and regulatory approvals.
