Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Ban Lifted by European Aviation Authorities

The European Commission and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the suspension on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), marking a significant breakthrough for the national carrier. The decision allows PIA to resume operations in Europe after an extended ban.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, while sharing the development, confirmed that PIA and Airblue have been issued Third Country Operator Authorizations. He described this as a historic moment for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

“This success reflects the relentless efforts of the Ministry of Aviation and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to meet global safety standards,” said the minister. He added, “The reforms introduced by our government have played a vital role in strengthening the CAA and restoring confidence in our aviation capabilities.”

Khawaja Asif noted that lifting the ban will not only boost operations but also benefit PIA’s privatization process. He expressed optimism about the possibility of similar action from the United Kingdom and other countries soon.

Director General of the CAA, Nadir Shafi Dar, credited the achievement to collective efforts under the leadership of the Prime Minister and the Aviation Ministry. “This success is the result of effective regulatory oversight and the hard work of our entire team,” he said, congratulating the nation and the aviation industry.

The lifting of the ban marks a fresh start for PIA, offering new opportunities to re-establish its presence in global markets and strengthen Pakistan’s aviation sector.