ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government says it is “actively engaged” with UK authorities to lift the long-standing ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Speaking during a key meeting with PIA’s chief executive Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat, Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Islamabad’s full diplomatic support to help restore the national carrier’s operations to Britain — one of PIA’s most profitable routes before the ban.
Progress After Years of Suspension
The PIA ban UK 2025 efforts come after years of painstaking compliance work following a major scandal in June 2020 when Pakistan’s then aviation minister revealed that nearly one-third of commercial pilots held questionable licences. This bombshell statement came after the tragic crash of Flight PK8303 in Karachi that killed 97 people.
In response, the UK Civil Aviation Authority suspended PIA’s operating permit on June 30, 2020, following similar action by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The ban cut off PIA from lucrative long-haul routes to Europe and the UK, costing the airline nearly PKR 40 billion annually in lost revenue, according to official figures shared in parliament.
Compliance and Rebuilding Trust
Deputy Prime Minister Dar highlighted that compliance measures introduced under the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government in 2022–23 laid the groundwork for rebuilding global trust. These measures included a sweeping overhaul of pilot licensing, retraining, and new safety protocols to align with international aviation standards.
As a result, EASA lifted its own suspension in November 2024, reinstating PIA’s Third-Country Operator authorisation. Earlier this year, Pakistan International Airlines resumed flights to Paris and is planning more European destinations for the 2025 summer season — a clear sign of progress in restoring the airline’s international footprint.
A Roadmap for UK Flights
Despite this progress in Europe, the UK ban remains. PIA CEO Amir Hayat praised the foreign minister’s continued diplomatic push, saying fresh engagement with UK aviation regulators is vital to unlocking a crucial market.
Ishaq Dar assured that Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is fully committed to ensuring PIA regains its access to British airspace as soon as possible.
Power Sector Commitment
Separately, Ishaq Dar chaired a high-level meeting to review Pakistan’s power sector challenges. He reaffirmed that the government will make balanced decisions to protect consumers while ensuring the sector’s financial stability. The session was attended by senior cabinet members, the ministers for power and petroleum, and PM’s Special Assistant Tariq Bajwa.
Key Takeaway
With the PIA ban UK 2025 efforts in full swing, the government hopes to fully restore Pakistan’s national carrier to major European and British routes — a step that could revive billions in lost revenue and reconnect Pakistani expatriates to home.
Earlier this year, PIA resumed flights to Paris and is planning more European destinations for the 2025 summer season — a clear sign of progress in restoring the airline’s international footprint. Read about the challenges PIA faces due to frequent bird strikes at airports here.
