A delegation led by Director General Khaqan Murtaza of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is set to participate in a meeting of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) scheduled for May. The purpose of this gathering is to discuss the potential reinstatement of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight operations in Europe.
During the meeting, the authority will review a report detailing the audit findings of various CAA departments in accordance with EASA standards.
In a statement, DG CAA Murtaza expressed optimism that EASA might lift restrictions on Pakistan following the safety review board meeting. He mentioned that if this were to happen, PIA flights to Europe and the UK would resume after a prolonged suspension.
It’s worth noting that in November 2023, a team from EASA visited Pakistan to assess different aspects of both the CAA and PIA, including licensing, flight safety, flight standards, and airworthiness.
EASA had previously imposed a ban on the flight operations of PIA following a plane crash in Karachi in May 2020. In a letter sent to the national flag carrier, EASA stated that they had suspended the Third Country Operator (TCO) Authorization for PIA due to its failure to comply with proposed corrective action plans (CAPs).
During meetings in June and September 2019, six findings were raised with PIA officials. While five of the action plans were implemented, one concerning element related to the Safety Management System remained unaddressed.
