Ban on Pakistani flights to UK lifted

ISLAMABAD: The United Kingdom (UK) has lifted its ban on Pakistani airlines, allowing them to resume flight operations after over five years.

The UK’s Air Safety Committee removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List following major improvements in aviation safety standards. However, Pakistani airlines must still apply individually to the UK Civil Aviation Authority for operating permits. British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, welcoming the development said, “I’m grateful to aviation experts in both countries for their hard work. I look forward to flying with a Pakistani airline to visit family and friends”.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif called the news another milestone adding that PIA will still need to obtain final approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) before resuming flights.

The decision comes after years of engagement between the UK’s Air Safety Committee and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. Pakistan had been on the safety list since 2021 following concerns over licensing and safety procedures.

According to UK authorities, the decision is based on technical assessments and an independent safety process.

The news brings hope for over 1.6 million British citizens of Pakistani heritage and thousands of Pakistanis living in the UK.

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