Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will remain on the UK Air Safety List, preventing it from operating flights to Britain. The UK Department for Transport confirmed the decision, stating that Pakistani carriers must undergo a rigorous review process before restrictions can be lifted.
UK Authorities Maintain Flight Restrictions
A spokesperson for the UK Department for Transport said that the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is in contact with Pakistani officials. However, the ban on Pakistani airlines will stay in place until they meet international safety standards.
The UK Air Safety List includes airlines banned from flying to or within the UK due to safety concerns. Since July 2020, all Pakistani air carriers have been prohibited from operating commercial flights to the UK.
Delayed Decision on Flight Clearance
Pakistani officials expected the UK to announce its decision on March 20 after an audit, but it was postponed to March 25. Now, the verdict has been further delayed.
Government sources said the delay is linked to a PIA aircraft incident where a tire detached mid-flight. The incident is currently under investigation by international air safety authorities and Airbus. Until the probe is complete, the UK will not decide on lifting restrictions.
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Pakistan Awaits Official Response
Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) Director General Nadir Shafi Dar confirmed that they have not received any written response from UK authorities regarding the flight ban.
A PIA spokesperson said that after successfully resuming flights to Europe, the airline now awaits a positive response from the UK.
Background: Why PIA Was Banned
The UK and European Union banned PIA in 2020 after revelations about fake pilot licenses surfaced. The scandal erupted when former aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan claimed that some Pakistani pilots were flying with fraudulent licenses.
The controversy followed a tragic PIA Airbus A-320 crash in Karachi, which killed nearly 100 people. The scandal severely impacted PIA’s credibility and led to flight bans in Europe, the UK, and the US.
Financial and Operational Impact
The ban cost PIA Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue. With limited international operations, Middle Eastern carriers have dominated the Pakistani market, controlling 60% of flights compared to PIA’s 23% share in domestic aviation.
In January 2025, PIA made progress by resuming direct flights to Paris, marking its return to European skies after years of restrictions. The airline is now eager to restart UK operations, with London, Manchester, and Birmingham as top destinations.
What’s Next for PIA?
Despite securing landing rights in 87 countries, PIA struggles to compete due to fleet limitations and international restrictions. The airline must comply with global safety regulations to regain access to key markets.
For now, PIA remains grounded in the UK, awaiting clearance from regulators. The delay in lifting the ban underscores the challenges the airline faces as it works to rebuild its international reputation.
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