In a significant boost to Pakistan’s aviation sector, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has taken steps towards lifting the ban on Pakistani airlines’ operations in Europe.
Sources revealed that both the European Commission and EASA have passed the decision to lift the ban to the European Air Safety Committee for final approval.
This development follows a recent visit by a high-level delegation from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), led by the CAA DG, to Europe. The delegation briefed European authorities on the measures taken to facilitate the restoration of Pakistani airlines’ flights in European countries.
In another move, a delegation headed by the secretary of the aviation division is slated to depart for Brussels today to participate in the upcoming European Air Safety Committee meetings scheduled from May 14 to 16.
The ban on Pakistani airlines in Europe was imposed in July 2020 after concerns were raised about the authenticity of pilots’ licenses. This issue came to light amidst investigations into the crash of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-8303 in Karachi on May 22, 2020, which claimed the lives of 85 passengers.
The revelations led to widespread scrutiny of Pakistan’s aviation industry, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressing concerns about licensing and safety oversight by the aviation regulator.
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