By Evaluating PIA Return to European Skies
A high-level delegation, spearheaded by the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Khaqan Murtaza, is gearing up to participate in a pivotal session convened by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in mid-May. The primary agenda of this significant gathering revolves around evaluating the prospects of reinstating Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight operations in Europe.
Meeting Agenda and Purpose
Scheduled for mid-May, the meeting will witness a meticulous review of a comprehensive report outlining the audit findings of various CAA departments vis-à-vis EASA standards. This scrutiny follows a pivotal visit by an EASA team to Pakistan in November 2023, aimed at assessing diverse facets of the CAA and PIA, spanning licensing procedures, flight safety protocols, flight standards adherence, and aircraft airworthiness.
Optimism Among Stakeholders
Several officials have indicated that the CAA has diligently met all stipulated requirements outlined by the agency. Consequently, there is optimism among stakeholders that EASA might consider lifting the existing restrictions on Pakistan after the deliberations at the safety review board meeting. Should this outcome materialize, PIA’s flights to Europe and the United Kingdom could swiftly resume operations following an extended hiatus.
Regulatory History and Context
The backdrop to this regulatory saga stems from EASA’s imposition of a ban on the flight operations of Pakistan’s national flag carrier subsequent to a tragic PIA plane crash in Karachi in May 2020. The catastrophic incident, which claimed the lives of 97 individuals, unearthed a scandal pertaining to the issuance of licenses to commercial pilots without undergoing requisite evaluations.
Significance for PIA and Pakistan’s Aviation Sector
In light of these developments, the forthcoming meeting assumes paramount importance for both PIA and Pakistan‘s aviation sector at large. The outcome of the deliberations holds the potential to herald a new chapter in the airline’s operations, signaling a return to the skies of Europe and the UK following a tumultuous period marred by regulatory restrictions and safety concerns.
