New timeline announced for resumption of flights from Pakistan to
Europe
The Director-General (DG) of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
has announced a new timeline for the resumption of direct flights from Pakistan
to Europe and the United Kingdom (UK), as reported on Tuesday. This development
comes after a three-year ban on Pakistani airlines' direct flights to European
countries and the UK.
British
Department for Transport to visit Pakistan for restoration of flights
The DG CAA has provided a fresh date for the restoration of these
flights, stating that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has
committed to conducting a visit to Pakistan in November to facilitate the resumption
of flights.
EASA is responsible for ensuring safety and environmental
protection in air transport in Europe, and discussions with European officials
have reportedly been fruitful during meetings in Brussels.
PIA
may resume flights to EU in six months: Aviation Minister
During the upcoming visit in November, EASA will carry out an
audit of Pakistan's national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines
(PIA), as part of the process to enable the resumption of direct flights.
In July, PIA had already initiated preparations to resume direct
flights to France and other European countries. The airline had issued tenders
for cargo handling services in France and invited applications from interested
companies. Following clearance from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA),
PIA is expected to have the ban on its flights to European countries lifted.
A delegation from EASA had been slated to visit Pakistan in
September to assess the situation and review the ban on PIA flights to European
states. A successful audit by EASA could potentially lead to the restoration of
PIA flights to European destinations.
Source: ARY TV