ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The UK Air Safety Committee is scheduled to meet on March 20 to review the five-year ban imposed on Pakistani airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). This significant meeting follows concerns raised after the controversial pilot license scandal in 2020, which led to the suspension of flight operations by Pakistani carriers to the United Kingdom and other European Union countries.
Background on the Ban
The ban was implemented in July 2020 after a major scandal surfaced regarding Pakistani pilots allegedly operating with fraudulent licenses. This revelation came after a tragic crash involving a PIA Airbus A-320 in Karachi, which resulted in nearly 100 fatalities. At the time, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, the then-aviation minister of Pakistan, publicly stated that several pilots had fake licenses, which was seen as a major breach of aviation safety standards.
In response to the scandal, the UK, along with the European Union, imposed severe restrictions on Pakistani airlines, halting their operations to these regions. This action severely affected Pakistan’s national carrier, PIA, which has since faced a considerable loss in revenue, amounting to Rs40 billion (approximately $144 million) annually.
PIA’s Resumption of European Flights
While the UK ban has remained in place, PIA took a major step forward in January 2025 by resuming flights to Europe after a long hiatus. The airline restarted its direct service between Islamabad and Paris, marking the return of Pakistani airlines to European skies.
PIA’s spokesperson, Abdullah Hafeez Khan, expressed optimism about the possibility of the UK lifting the ban. He mentioned that once the Department for Transport (DfT) in London gives the green light, major UK cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham would be the top destinations for PIA. These routes are expected to be in high demand as the airline looks to expand its reach.
Impact on Pakistan’s Aviation Industry
The ongoing ban has had a profound impact on Pakistan’s aviation sector. While PIA holds a 23% share of the domestic market, it continues to struggle against Middle Eastern carriers, which dominate the market with a 60% share due to their extensive route networks and superior services. Despite having agreements with 87 countries and key landing slots, PIA’s limited fleet of 34 planes and the absence of direct flights to major hubs like London and Manchester have kept it from competing effectively.
Hope for Lifting of the Ban
With the UK’s review of the ban on March 20, Pakistani authorities are hopeful that the restrictions will finally be lifted. If this occurs, it would mark a significant victory for PIA and the broader Pakistani aviation industry, which has faced several challenges in recent years.
The outcome of tomorrow’s meeting could determine the future of direct flights between Pakistan and the UK, as well as the revival of PIA’s international operations.
As the review progresses, industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, awaiting a decision that could have lasting effects on both Pakistan’s national carrier and its broader aviation sector.
