Ban on Pakistani airlines not lifted due to safety concerns
The European Union has chosen to uphold its restrictions on Pakistani airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), following recent evaluations conducted by the EU Air Safety Committee. Despite attempts by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) to rectify previous shortcomings, the committee deemed there were insufficient grounds to modify the existing list of banned air carriers.
Persistent Safety Concerns
A comprehensive on-site review conducted from November 27 to 30, 2023, unveiled critical concerns regarding the oversight role of the PCAA. The review underscored deviations from established safety protocols and notable understaffing within the Flight Standards Directorate. Despite the technical expertise of PCAA personnel, the committee observed ongoing deficiencies in internal verifications and adherence to safety protocols.
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The decision of the EU Air Safety Committee underscores the imperative of continuous monitoring of Pakistan's aviation safety landscape. The committee has suggested regular technical gatherings in Brussels and consistent progress updates from the PCAA.
Corrective Measures and Continuous Oversight
In response to the findings, the PCAA presented a corrective action plan on May 6, 2024, outlining steps to address identified deficiencies. This plan was deliberated upon during a hearing with the EU safety committee in May. However, despite these efforts, the committee concluded that further action is necessary to ensure alignment with international safety standards.
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The EU emphasized the importance of governmental support and sustained leadership stability within the PCAA for its effective operation. Additionally, the commission highlighted the necessity for EU member states to prioritize ramp inspections of Pakistani air carriers under regulation EU 965/2012 to ensure ongoing adherence to safety standards.
Impact on Pakistani Aviation
The decision to uphold the ban represents a significant setback for PIA, which has been unable to conduct flights to Europe since 2020. This suspension stemmed from the revocation of PIA's authorization by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) due to a pilot license scandal and ensuing safety concerns.
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Despite recent optimism expressed by PIA CEO Muhammad Amir Hayat regarding the resumption of flights to Europe, the EU's decision underscores the need for substantial improvements. Aviation experts lament the missed opportunity to revive PIA's European operations, viewing it as a setback for the government's broader investment endeavors in the aviation sector.
The EU Air Safety Committee maintains the option of inviting the PCAA to further hearings at upcoming meetings, contingent upon the progress made in addressing current safety concerns. The ongoing scrutiny and necessary improvements underscore the EU's commitment to upholding stringent safety standards for air carriers operating within its jurisdiction.
Source: Global Village Space