UK Lifts Ban on Pakistani Airlines After 5 Years

The United Kingdom has officially lifted a five-year ban on Pakistani airlines, allowing carriers to apply for UK flight permissions.

The restriction, first imposed in mid-2020, followed a tragic Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) crash in Karachi that killed 97 people and exposed pilot-license fraud allegations—nearly one-third of pilot licences were reportedly fraudulent. This move echoes an earlier decision by the European Union and comes after Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority implemented robust safety reforms within industry standards .

The British High Commission in Islamabad confirmed the decision was made by the UK’s independent Air Safety Committee, following extensive reviews and collaboration with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. While the ban is lifted, Pakistani airlines—most notably PIA—must still secure individual operating permits from the UK Civil Aviation Authority before resuming flights.

PIA, the country's flagship carrier and long-haul pioneer, had suffered significant financial losses—nearly 40 billion rupees (~$144 million) annually—due to being barred from flying to the UK.

Eager to reclaim valuable routes, PIA reports it's finalizing preparations to reinstate the Islamabad–Manchester service, launching with three weekly flights once scheduling and regulatory approvals are secured.

This development also aligns with ongoing privatization reforms. Pakistan’s government recently authorized four consortiums to bid on 51‑100% of PIA, as part of an IMF-supported turnaround strategy.

The restoration of UK and EU access is seen as a significant boost to PIA’s market value ahead of the privatization process. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized that resuming these routes will enhance PIA's appeal to potential investors and contribute to plans for adding destinations like New York.

The ban’s removal offers a direct benefit to over 1.6 million UK residents of Pakistani origin, fostering easier family reunifications and strengthening bilateral trade ties.

Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Defence Minister Asif, hailed the decision as a milestone reflecting both improved aviation safety and proactive diplomatic efforts.

Restoring long-haul flights underscores the broader transformation within Pakistan’s aviation sector, from safety lapses to structural reform and re-engagement with global markets. As Pakistani airlines gear up for a phased return to British airspace, this move highlights not only technical progress but also renewed prospects for economic growth, cultural exchange, and national pride.

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