Pakistan removed from the UK’s Air Safety List

July 16, 2025 (MLN): In a major development for Pakistan’s aviation sector, the UK’s Air Safety Committee has officially lifted restrictions on Pakistani carriers, allowing all Pakistani airlines to apply for operating permits in the UK.

This decision came after significant air safety improvements by Pakistani authorities, reversing restrictions first imposed in 2021.

The announcement means Pakistani carriers can now submit applications to the UK Civil Aviation Authority to begin flight operations, although it may still take time for direct flights to resume due to logistical arrangements.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, lauded the collaborative efforts that led to this milestone.

“I’m grateful to aviation experts in the UK and Pakistan for their collaborative work to drive improvements to meet international safety standards. 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,” she said.

Decisions on removing countries and carriers from the UK Air Safety List are made independently through a rigorous technical process.

The UK’s Air Safety Committee has closely engaged with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority over several years, ultimately concluding that Pakistan has met the necessary safety standards.

The move is particularly significant given the deep ties between the two countries.

Over 1.6 million people of Pakistani heritage live in the UK, alongside thousands of British nationals residing in Pakistan.

The UK is also Pakistan’s third largest trading partner, with a bilateral relationship valued at £4.7 billion.

Improved connectivity is expected to facilitate both family reunions and enhanced trade links.

Copyright Mettis Link News