The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has reserved its decision on the resumption of flights by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other Pakistani carriers to Europe. This decision follows a three-day meeting of the European Air Safety Committee held in Brussels, where the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) presented its safety oversight measures and updated reports.
The discussions centered on PIA’s
Third Country Authorization and evaluated the measures implemented by the CAA
to address prior safety concerns. According to sources, EASA plans to announce
its decision on December 6, alongside decisions regarding airlines from other
countries.
Read More EASA
to review Pakistan flight ban in November
Pakistani airlines, including PIA,
have been barred from operating flights to European destinations since 2020,
following a pilots’ license scandal that raised significant safety concerns.
The recent Brussels meeting was an opportunity for a high-level CAA delegation,
led by the CAA secretary, to showcase the steps taken to improve regulatory
compliance and restore operations.
After the meeting concluded on
Thursday, the Pakistani delegation returned home, where they will provide a
detailed briefing on the discussions. Earlier this year, CAA Director General
Khaqan Murtaza expressed optimism that EASA might lift the restrictions
following a positive review by the safety board.
Read More Pakistan’s
aviation authority urges EU to lift ban on PIA flights
If the ban is lifted, PIA flights to
Europe and the UK could resume after a suspension of more than four years,
marking a significant milestone for Pakistan’s aviation sector.
Source:
Minute Mirror