PIA to Restart European Operations After Regulatory Hurdles

Pakistan's national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), is gearing up to restart its operations in Europe by initiating two weekly flights to Paris later this year. This development comes in the wake of a ban imposed on the airline by the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) due to a pilot license scandal, which led to the suspension of its European flights four years ago.

PIA's CEO, Muhammad Amir Hayat, has confirmed that the airline has fulfilled all pre-operation requirements and is now awaiting final approval to recommence its European services. Hayat emphasized PIA's proactive measures in addressing EASA's safety concerns by ensuring compliance and undergoing rigorous audits. Additionally, plans are in place to reintroduce direct flights to the UK, pending an independent audit.

On the regulatory front, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has provided clarity on the status of PIA's European flights. A delegation led by the Secretary of Aviation is currently in Brussels for the Air Safety Committee meeting scheduled for May 14. The CAA has urged against premature speculation and emphasized that no official decisions have been announced yet, underlining the importance of acting in the country's best interests.

The European Commission is expected to disclose the meeting's outcomes following due procedures, with an immediate statement anticipated to communicate the results to the concerned parties.

As PIA prepares to resume its European operations, the airline's efforts to address safety concerns and comply with regulatory standards are crucial steps towards rebuilding trust and reinstating its services in the region. The upcoming decisions from the European Commission hold significance for both PIA and passengers, marking a potential turning point in the airline's journey back to European skies.