Monday, January 27, 2025 Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is on the cusp of a significant milestone as it prepares to resume direct flights to the United Kingdom (UK). This move comes after years of regulatory hurdles and follows a critical audit conducted by the UK’s Department for Transport to evaluate Pakistan’s aviation standards. If successful, this audit could lift the ban imposed on PIA in 2020, restoring its access to one of its most vital international markets.
On January 27, 2025, a seven-member team from the UK’s Department for Transport landed in Pakistan to conduct a comprehensive audit of the nation’s aviation framework. The evaluation, which will continue until February 6, 2025, focuses on key areas such as pilot licensing protocols, aircraft airworthiness, operational standards, and overall aviation safety. Nadir Shafi Dar, the Director General of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), has expressed confidence in the country’s preparedness for this critical inspection.
The PCAA has made extensive arrangements to support the audit process, with staff even working through weekends to ensure seamless coordination. The outcome of this audit will be a game-changer for PIA, as it seeks to reestablish direct connections with the UK—a market crucial to its international operations and revenue streams. The 2020 ban on PIA by UK and European regulators was a major blow to the airline’s operations, stemming from concerns over safety and pilot li.