EU Announces Decision on Restoring PIA Flights

Restrictions on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other Pakistani airlines will remain in effect in the European Union (EU) due to identified safety concerns.

The EU Air Safety Committee’s latest evaluation upheld the ban on air carriers certified by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).

Read more: Emergency Landing In Riyadh After ‘Explosion’ On PIA Flight

A review conducted from November 27 to 30, 2023, revealed significant safety oversight issues within the PCAA. In response, the PCAA presented a corrective action plan on May 6, 2024, detailing measures to address these deficiencies. This plan was discussed during a May hearing with the EU safety committee.

The EU Air Safety Committee opted to continue monitoring Pakistan’s safety situation through regular technical meetings in Brussels and progress reports from the PCAA. The committee indicated it would summon the PCAA for future hearings if necessary.

The committee’s report concluded that there are no grounds to amend the list of Pakistani air carriers banned from operating within the region. It urged EU member states to prioritize inspections of Pakistani aircraft for international safety standards.

The aviation industry views the EU’s decision as a setback for PIA’s operations in Europe.