The UK has removed a long-standing ban on Pakistani airlines following demonstrated improvements in Pakistan’s aviation safety standards, according to the British diplomatic mission in Islamabad.
The ban was initially imposed by the Air Safety Committee after a statement made by Pakistan’s aviation minister in June 2020, in which he revealed that a significant number of Pakistani pilots had cheated on their pilot licensing exams.
This claim followed a Pakistan International Airlines crash on May 24, 2020, in Karachi, resulting in the deaths of 97 people.
The announcement today follows international acknowledgement of Pakistan’s efforts to enhance aviation safety protocols.
#PIA is all set to resume flights to 🇬🇧
It became possible after adherence to the most stringent flight safety standards, reviewed by the UK’s Air Safety Committee. Special thanks to @PakPMO, @KhawajaMAsif, @OfficialPCAA, @ukinpakistan & @JaneMarriottUK for personal interest &…
— PIA (@Official_PIA) July 16, 2025
Earlier this year, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) also lifted its five-year ban, permitting Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to resume direct flights to European destinations.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott stated that the lifting of restrictions on Pakistani airlines comes after “extensive engagement” between the UK’s Air Safety Committee and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority.
Ms. Marriott clarified that individual airlines will still need to apply for operating permits from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
“I’m grateful to aviation experts in both the UK and Pakistan for their collaborative work to meet international safety standards,” she said.
“While it will take time for flights to resume, once the logistics are in place, I look forward to using a Pakistani carrier when visiting family and friends.”
The British High Commission emphasized that decisions concerning the removal of countries or carriers from the UK Air Safety List are based on an independent safety evaluation process managed by the Air Safety Committee.
With a significant Pakistani diaspora of over 1.6 million residing in the UK, and thousands of British nationals living in Pakistan, this decision is expected to facilitate family reunions and potentially strengthen bilateral trade relations.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif welcomed the decision.
During a televised news conference on Wednesday, he attributed the ban to what he called “baseless” comments made by former aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan.
He stated that Mr. Khan’s remarks damaged the country’s reputation and caused significant financial losses for Pakistan International Airlines.
