ISLAMABAD – After years of intense scrutiny and safety reforms, the United Kingdom has finally taken Pakistan off its Air Safety List, reopening the door for Pakistani airlines to reconnect with British skies.
The UK’s Air Safety Committee made the long-awaited announcement on Wednesday, acknowledging the steady improvements made by Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). This marks the end of a ban that has lingered since 2020, when shocking revelations about fake pilot licences rocked the country’s aviation industry.
The scandal emerged during the PTI-led government, when then-aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan admitted that many pilots were flying without valid licences. The disclosure came in the aftermath of a devastating PIA crash in Karachi that killed nearly 100 people, triggering swift action from European and UK regulators.
Although being removed from the safety list is a crucial breakthrough, Pakistani carriers will still need to apply for and secure operating permits before they can restart services to the UK.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott called the decision a testament to joint efforts between British and Pakistani aviation experts. “It’s a positive step forward. I’m eager to see Pakistani airlines flying to the UK again soon,” she remarked.
The decision is likely to benefit the 1.6 million British residents of Pakistani origin, easing travel for families and strengthening business links. Bilateral trade between the two countries is already worth £4.7 billion, making the UK one of Pakistan’s key economic partners.
Earlier this year, Pakistan also saw the European Union lift its restrictions, leading to the resumption of direct flights such as Islamabad to Paris. Now, the UK’s move is seen as another milestone in restoring the country’s aviation credibility.