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The European Union has extended its ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights due to ongoing safety concerns, marking the fourth consecutive year of restrictions.
This decision follows the EU’s assertion that PIA has failed to meet critical safety standards, including operational safety, aircraft maintenance, and regulatory oversight.
An EU spokesperson confirmed the continuation of these restrictions, emphasizing PIA’s insufficient adherence to essential safety protocols. They highlighted that all Pakistani airlines, including PIA, must implement corrective actions to address deficiencies in their safety management systems.
The EU also pointed to deficiencies within Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), urging improved monitoring capabilities to ensure compliance with international safety regulations. As of mid-2024, no Pakistani airline, including PIA, is listed on the EU’s air safety list, underscoring broader concerns about regulatory compliance.
The initial ban followed the suspension of PIA’s Third Country Operator (TCO) license by the International Air Safety Assessment (IASA), effectively barring the airline from operating flights between Pakistan and European countries. Pakistani aviation authorities are reportedly engaged in efforts to rectify identified shortcomings, but the ban on PIA’s European flights will persist until the airline fully meets EU aviation safety standards.
This situation significantly impacts PIA’s operations and Pakistan’s standing in global aviation safety.