A delegation from the United Kingdom’s Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority has arrived in Karachi to conduct a safety audit ahead of the anticipated resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights between Pakistan and the UK.
The visit follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) decision in November to lift its 2020 ban on PIA operating within the EU bloc. The ban was initially imposed due to concerns about Pakistan’s compliance with international aviation safety standards after a tragic PIA plane crash in Karachi claimed 97 lives and triggered an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses.
PIA resumed operations in Europe earlier this month, with its first flight from Islamabad to Paris on January 10, and is now preparing to reestablish its UK routes.
“The delegation will hold several high-level meetings and examine safety protocols, documentation, and operational procedures,” the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) said in a statement. “The team will also visit airlines to ensure compliance with international standards.”
Months of technical discussions between PCAA and UK authorities have preceded the audit, with PCAA officials expressing optimism about the outcome.
The 2020 ban had led to the grounding of 262 Pakistani pilots, including 141 from PIA, due to concerns over “dubious” licenses. However, the subsequent investigation did not uncover significant issues. EASA cited “significant efforts” by the PCAA to restore compliance as the basis for lifting the suspension.
The ban had caused PIA an estimated annual revenue loss of PKR 40 billion ($144 million). The successful completion of the UK delegation’s audit could mark a turning point for PIA, allowing the national carrier to resume critical routes and reclaim its position in international aviation.
