PIA cleared for takeoff to EU after 3-year ban

November 30, 2024 (MLN): The European Union has lifted its ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), in place since 2020, allowing the national carrier to resume flights to the region, Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif informed on Friday.

To recall, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) banned PIA from Europe over suspicious pilot licences in 2020 after PIA’s flight from Lahore crashed near Karachi’s Jinnah Inter­national Airport wherein almost 100 people were killed. 

The EASA has also granted the ‘third country operator (TCO) authorisation to Airblue which allows the management of the airline to start commercial flights to Europe.

The PIA spokesperson ensured that the airline would continue to adhere to Easa’s regulations and guidelines.

Chief Executive Officer of PIA, Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Amir Hayat and Director General Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority Nadir Dar hailed the historic lifting of restrictions on PIA flights to Europe, marking a triumphant return after a four-year absence. 

 In an exclusive talk with a private news channel on Saturday, DG Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority Nadir Dar extended heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for his instrumental role in achieving this monumental milestone. 

The restoration of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Europe is a monumental achievement, and it is a testament to the tireless efforts of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

He added that this breakthrough resulted from the Prime Minister's unwavering commitment to reviving Pakistan's aviation industry and strengthening its global connections.

Amir Hayat said that successfully resuming flights to Europe after a four-year hiatus is a remarkable feat that deserves admiration.  

It not only boosts Pakistan's economy but also enhances the country's reputation on the global stage, he further mentioned.

"This achievement is a shining example of what can be accomplished when vision, leadership, and hard work come together, said CEO PIA, adding that  Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the entire PIA team deserve our heartfelt congratulations."

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