The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has once again delayed Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from resuming flights to British airports.
The decision, announced this week, comes despite PIA’s recent success in regaining approval to operate in the European Union in November 2024.
Safety concerns remain at the heart of this ongoing saga. This now leaves PIA’s return to key UK destinations like London, Manchester, and Birmingham uncertain.
A History of Safety Issues
PIA’s troubles with the UK and EU began in July 2020. A shocking scandal revealed fraudulent pilot licenses within Pakistan’s aviation sector, casting doubt on the airline’s safety standards.
The situation worsened after the tragic crash of PIA Flight 8303 in May 2020, which claimed 97 lives. Following these events, both the UK and EU banned PIA from their airspace.
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) faced intense scrutiny for its oversight failures, prompting a major overhaul.
In November 2024, the EU lifted its ban after the PCAA demonstrated improved safety protocols. PIA celebrated this milestone, hoping the UK would soon follow suit.
However, the UK CAA and Department for Transport (DfT) have taken a stricter stance, insisting on a thorough safety review before lifting restrictions.
Recent Incidents Fuel Concerns
The UK’s latest hesitation isn’t without reason. In early 2025, PIA faced two concerning incidents. On January 17, an Airbus A320 landed on a closed runway in Lahore, raising red flags about operational safety.
Then, on March 12, another A320 lost a main gear tire during landing, also in Lahore. These events, though not catastrophic, have kept PIA under a microscope.
For the UK CAA, they clearly signalled the need for caution in restoring flight privileges.
In January 2025, a UK CAA team visited Karachi to audit PIA and the PCAA. The inspection focused on compliance with international safety standards.
Pakistani officials were optimistic, predicting clearance by March or April. Yet, on March 25, the DfT confirmed PIA remains on the UK Air Safety List. A spokesperson noted ongoing talks with Pakistan but offered no firm timeline for resolution.
Looking Ahead
The UK routes are a lifeline, serving a large Pakistani diaspora and generating an estimated PKR 40 billion annually.
Losing this revenue has strained the airline, which is already grappling with financial challenges and a push for privatization. PIA has voiced frustration, arguing it has met global standards and deserves a chance to fly again.
But the UK isn’t budging yet, and the next UK Air Safety Committee review is slated for May or June 2025. Until then, PIA must wait and prove its safety credentials beyond doubt.
For passengers eager to book flights, this delay is disappointing. For regulators, it’s a matter of trust. The UK CAA’s rigorous approach reflects a commitment to passenger safety, even if it slows PIA’s comeback.
In the meantime, PIA’s fate in the UK hangs in the balance, tethered to its ability to convince one of the world’s strictest regulators.
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