PIA Flights to UK, EU Set to resume‌ as‌ Regulator⁣ Approves Safety Standards

Islamabad: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is poised to resume flights to the United Kingdom ⁤and the european Union, marking a significant turnaround⁤ for the national flag carrier after a period of international sanctions. The breakthrough comes as aviation regulators have deemed Pakistan’s safety standards to‌ be in compliance, a development hailed​ as a triumph for the country’s aviation sector.

The announcement, made by a government minister, signals ​the end of a challenging chapter for PIA,⁣ wich faced a ban on ​its European operations following revelations in⁢ 2020 that⁤ nearly 40% of the country’s pilots held fake licenses. This scandal severely damaged the airline’s reputation ⁢and led to a significant drop in business, with planes becoming dysfunctional and ‌pilots’ reputations tarnished.”Imran Khan and Ghulam Sarwar turned PIA into a graveyard,” stated the minister, ‍referencing the previous government’s tenure. He emphasized ⁤that the former aviation minister’s speech at the National Assembly was “enough ‍to fix responsibility” for the negative ⁢impression created about the national ⁣airline and its pilots. The minister called for accountability for those responsible for the loss, noting that the nation’s image was affected. He suggested that the Prime Minister ⁢could order an inquiry to investigate and hold individuals accountable.

Overseas Pakistanis,⁣ who previously relied on PIA for cheaper and direct routes, were ⁢particularly impacted by the flight suspensions. The⁣ minister acknowledged the efforts of the civil aviation regulator ​and ministry officials for achieving this “historic”⁤ day, stating that the decision has restored confidence in the national airline and the​ broader aviation industry. Gratitude ‍was also extended to UK ​and EU regulators for their guidance in plugging loopholes and meeting international standards.

US Regulators to Visit Pakistan, Flights to US Hoped by September

Looking ahead, the minister expressed optimism about resuming flights ⁣to the United States. “God willing, in September, regulators are coming from the US,” he announced.⁢ “We ‌are hoping our flights will start going there and we will start talks soon. Hopefully, they will be prosperous.”

The foundation for PIA’s revival,the minister noted,was laid by the⁤ Pakistan Democratic ‌Movement-led government’s efforts,particularly by then-railway minister Khawaja Saad ‌Rafique. He credited the regulator’s “great efforts,” competence, international reputation, and contacts for making the resumption of services possible.The minister reiterated his hope that PIA flights to the UK would be resumed by August 14. “This is a success for our aviation⁣ industry as a whole,” he stated. “Opening the aviation ⁢sector in Europe and the UK to us is a cause⁤ for happiness.”

the​ next crucial ⁢step, according to the minister, is the privatization of PIA. He believes that⁣ the restoration of routes will facilitate ⁣this ⁢process, enabling the government to secure a higher bid price.the private ⁤sector, he asserted, would be better ⁣equipped to revive the airline by injecting​ higher investment, inducting a new fleet, and opening new routes, thereby ensuring its long-term sustainability and competitiveness.