The United Kindom has officially lifted its five-year ban on Pakistani airlines, including PIA, allowing them to apply for flight operations to and from British airports.
The ban, originally imposed in 2020 following a fatal crash in Karachi and subsequent revelations of pilot license irregularities, had restricted Pakistani carries from operating in UK and European airspace. The decision to lift the restriction in was announced by the British High commision in Islamabad, citing “ significant improvements” in aviation safety oversight and regulatory compliance.
According to thw UK’s Air Safety Committe, the move follows a comprehansive review of Pakistan’s aviation standards and reflects measurable progress in safety protocols. While airlines must still apply for operational permits through the UK civil Aviation Authority, the path to resumin direct flights is now open.
PIA, which previously estimated an annual revenue loss of approximately $144 million due to the suspension of UK routes, is preparing to relaunch services, starting with a proposed Islamaad-Manchester route. The airline also resumed flights to Paris earlier this year after the European Union lifted its own restrictions.
The development comes amid broader efforts to privatize PIA with four groups approved to bid majority stake in the national carrier. Recent reforms have led to the airline’s first operating profit in over two decades boosting investor interest.
Aviation officials have welcomed the UK’s decision as a milestone for Pakistan’s civil aviation sector and a step toward restoring international confidence. The move is expected to enhance connectivity, trade and travel between the two countries.
