British audit of Islamabad Airport could determine lifting of ban on Pakistani airlines
A critical aviation security audit is underway at Islamabad International
Airport, with a three-member team from the UK Department for Transport (DfT)
arriving to evaluate the facility’s security protocols. The outcome of this
inspection could determine whether the UK lifts its long-standing ban on direct
flights by Pakistani airlines.
UK Security Team Assesses Islamabad Airport
According to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the British
inspectors are conducting a detailed review of airport operations, safety
procedures, and security measures. The audit, scheduled to continue until July
10, will assess compliance with the UK’s stringent aviation standards.
CAA sources indicated that the evaluation could also include select
Pakistani airlines that either currently operate or plan to operate routes to
the UK. The inspection marks a pivotal step in Pakistan’s efforts to restore
direct flight access to British airspace.
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Flight Ban Traced to 2020 Licensing Scandal
Pakistani airlines, including the national carrier PIA, have been banned
from operating flights to the UK since July 2020. The restrictions were imposed
after a licensing scandal revealed that numerous Pakistani pilots held dubious or
unverified credentials. In response, the UK Civil Aviation Authority and EASA
(European Union Aviation Safety Agency) suspended operational permissions due
to safety concerns.
Findings to Be Reviewed by
British Air Safety Committee
Once the audit concludes, the UK delegation will compile a comprehensive
report outlining its findings. This will be presented to the British Air Safety
Committee, which is expected to meet later this month to review the audit
results and decide on the future of Pakistani airline operations in the UK.
“We hope the committee will acknowledge the progress we’ve made and
recommend lifting the flight ban,” a senior CAA official stated, expressing
optimism about the audit’s potential outcome.
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Reforms and Compliance Measures in Pakistan
Since the 2020 scandal, Pakistan has undertaken a series of aviation
reforms, including overhauls in pilot licensing, safety compliance, and airport
operations. The CAA has conducted multiple internal and third-party audits and
has remained in continuous dialogue with UK authorities to demonstrate improved
safety and governance.
The audit’s outcome is not only critical for resuming direct UK flights but
could also influence Pakistan’s standing with EASA, which has maintained
similar restrictions.
What’s at Stake
A favorable report could mark a significant breakthrough for Pakistan’s
aviation industry, restoring international credibility and providing
much-needed relief for Pakistani expatriates in the UK, who currently depend on
expensive and time-consuming connecting flights.
With the audit now in motion, the fate of Pakistan’s access to UK skies
rests on whether the improvements meet international expectations—offering hope
for the long-anticipated return of direct air links.
Source: Minute Mirror