PIA poised to resume flights to UK

Dubai: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA is poised to resume flights to UK.

A team from the UK’s Department for Transport has arrived in Pakistan to carry out an audit of the country’s aviation standards, a crucial step toward the potential restoration of direct flights between Pakistan and the UK.

The seven-member team is scheduled to begin its audit on today, January 27, focusing on key areas such as licensing, airworthiness, flight standards, and other critical components of aviation operations. The audit is scheduled to take place from January 27 to February 6, 2025.

We are ready

Nadir Shafi Dar, Director General of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), expressed readiness to brief the British officials, stating, “We are prepared to provide a comprehensive overview for the audit process,” Pakistan's Urdu TV ARY reported.

The outcome of this audit could pave the way for the lifting of the 2020 ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other Pakistani carriers, which were grounded by UK authorities due to safety concerns. A successful audit would enable Pakistani airlines to resume flights to the UK, reconnecting Pakistan to one of its key international markets.

In preparation for the audit, Pakistan’s civil aviation officials have made extensive arrangements. Staff have been asked to report to work on Saturday, a holiday, to ensure the process runs smoothly.

The results of this audit could have far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s aviation industry, as well as its relationship with global aviation regulators.

Paris fligt

In December 2024, the EU lifted its flight ban, and PIA swiftly resumed flights to Paris CDG. The UK CAA frequently aligns with EU decisions, and PIA is keen to fly to London Heathrow, Manchester International, and Birmingham, GB from Islamabad International and Lahore International.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently said resuming flights would help the airline recoup these revenue flows and better position it for privatisation.

Earlier this month, he told Pakistan's parliament that the government was hoping for a decision from the UK by March or April 2025 and PIA flights there could resume shortly afterwards. He also said that once this happens, PIA and the government would work on restarting flights to the United States.