Pakistan Works to Restore PIA’s UK Flight Operations,Dar
Deputy PM says talks with EU on the matter of PIA flight operations are also being held
London-(Special Correspondent)-Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has announced that efforts are underway to resume Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to and from the United Kingdom as soon as possible. The aviation services between the two countries have been suspended for over four years.
Addressing the Pakistani diaspora in Britain, Dar said that the government has made every effort to solve the issue, including changing laws to meet the latest requirements of the UK’s Aviation Authority. He blamed an “irresponsible statement” by a former minister from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government for grounding all aircraft in Europe, the UK, and the Western world.
Dar says ex-minister’s “irresponsible statement” led to suspension.
The issue began in 2020 when the European Union’s Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) revoked PIA’s authorization to fly to the bloc due to a fake pilot license scandal in Pakistan. This resulted in the grounding of 262 Pakistani pilots, including 141 from PIA, whose licenses were deemed “dubious.”
Dar also discussed the government’s plans to privatize PIA and outsource the management of Islamabad International Airport. He hopes to complete the process by mid-October.
During a press conference in London, Dar said that discussions with British authorities and the European Union are ongoing to resume PIA flight operations. He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to complying with international standards in the aviation sector.
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Dar’s visit to the UK included meetings with British officials, including his counterpart Angela Rayner. He highlighted the importance of the long-standing partnership between Pakistan and the UK, citing the Pakistani diaspora as the real pivot of the bilateral relationship.
The suspension of PIA flights has caused significant inconvenience to travelers and affected trade between the two countries. The resumption of flights is expected to boost economic ties and facilitate travel for the Pakistani community in the UK.
