In a landmark decision, the United Kingdom has lifted its five-year ban on Pakistani airlines, allowing carriers like Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to resume flights to Britain after a rigorous safety overhaul. The move, announced by the British High Commission on Wednesday, marks a critical victory for Pakistan’s aviation sector and its 1.6 million-strong diaspora in the UK.
Why the Ban Was Imposed
The UK banned Pakistani airlines in June 2020 following twin crises:
- A catastrophic PIA Airbus A320 crash in Karachi that killed 97 people, attributed to pilot error and air traffic control failures.
- Revelations by Pakistan’s former Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan that 30% of the country’s pilots held fraudulent licenses, triggering global suspensions.
The ban cost PIA an estimated ₹40 billion rupees ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, particularly on lucrative UK routes like London Heathrow, Manchester, and Birmingham.
The Road to Reinstatement
The UK’s Air Safety Committee confirmed Pakistan’s removal from its Air Safety List after an independent technical review validated sweeping reforms by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). Key milestones included:
- Stricter pilot licensing protocols and compliance with international safety standards.
- Successful EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) clearance in late 2024, which paved the way for PIA’s return to Europe in January 2025.
- A UK Department for Transport security audit declaring Islamabad Airport’s arrangements “satisfactory.”
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott emphasized:
“I’m grateful to aviation experts in both countries for their collaborative work. While flights won’t resume overnight, I look forward to using a Pakistani carrier to visit family and friends”
Immediate Next Steps for PIA
PIA has already submitted plans to restart services:
- First route: Islamabad to Manchester, with 3 weekly flights pending UK Civil Aviation Authority permits.
- Reactivation of prized London Heathrow landing slots, dormant since 2020.
- Long-haul ambitions: Flights to New York are under discussion.
⚠️ Note: All airlines must still apply for operational permits individually—no automatic reinstatement.
Privatisation and Economic Impact
The UK decision significantly boosts Pakistan’s efforts to privatize its debt-ridden flag carrier:
- Four investor groups are now bidding for a 51–100% stake in PIA, with final offers due in late 2025.
- The airline recently posted its first operating profit in 21 years, aided by IMF-backed reforms.
- Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif declared: “Restoring routes lifts PIA’s valuation ahead of privatization. The private sector can revive it with new fleets and routes.”
Political Reactions: Relief and Recriminations
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the move as an “important milestone” and “relief for Pakistanis in Britain.”
- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif blamed the prior PTI government for “national-level blunders,” accusing ex-minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan of “baseless remarks” that grounded PIA.
The Human Impact
For the 1.6 million UK residents of Pakistani heritage, the ban’s end promises:
- Reunification with families after years of costly connecting flights.
- Boosted trade: The UK is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner (£4.7 billion annually).
- Easier student travel, following the UK’s new e-visa system for Pakistanis.
Challenges Remain
Despite progress, PIA faces lingering issues:
- A history of unpaid bills, regulatory gaps, and safety concerns.
- Past privatisation failures, including a 2024 deal scrapped over low bids.