DG CAA hopes EASA will remove restrictions on Pakistan flight ban
Khaqan Murtaza, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), will lead a delegation attending a crucial meeting with the European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) slated for May. The focus of the gathering
will be the potential reinstatement of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
flight operations in Europe.
The meeting agenda includes a thorough review of a report
detailing audits across various CAA departments, aligning with EASA standards.
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visit of EC and EASA raises hopes for lifting of ban on PIA flights to Europe
In an official statement, DG CAA Murtaza conveyed his anticipation
that EASA might rescind restrictions on Pakistan following the safety review
board meeting.
He emphasized that if this transpires, PIA flights to Europe and
the UK will resume, marking the end of a prolonged suspension.
It's worth noting that in November 2023, an EASA team visited
Pakistan to assess CAA and PIA operations, covering aspects such as licensing,
flight safety, standards, and airworthiness.
EASA had initially imposed a ban on the national flag carrier's
flight operations after a PIA plane crash in Karachi in May 2020.
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Following subsequent evaluations, EASA communicated its decision
to suspend the Third Country Operator (TCO) Authorization for PIA due to
non-compliance with proposed corrective action plans (CAPs).
While most of the recommended action plans were implemented, one
element concerning the Safety Management System remained unaddressed, leading
to the ongoing suspension.
Source: ARY News