PIA’s ongoing safety issues prolong European flight ban

LAHORE: In light of the four-year ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to European countries, it has been revealed that the national airline continues to fail to demonstrate effective compliance with the stringent safety standards mandated by the European Union (EU).

A spokesperson for the European Commission has provided detailed reasons for maintaining the ban, citing PIA’s ongoing inability to comply with essential safety protocols.

These protocols encompass operational safety, maintenance practices, and regulatory oversight.”All Pakistani airlines, including PIA, are required to implement corrective measures to address deficiencies in their safety management systems,” stated the spokesperson.

Additionally, the spokesperson emphasised the need for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Pakistan to enhance its monitoring capabilities. Presently, no Pakistani airline, including PIA, is listed on the EU’s air safety list, indicating significant concerns over regulatory compliance.

The restrictions on PIA are a direct result of the suspension of its Third Country Operator’s (TCO) licence by the International Air Safety Assessment (IASA). Consequently, PIA is unable to operate flights between Pakistan and European countries until it rectifies the identified shortcomings and regains compliance with EU aviation safety requirements.The suspension of PIA’s

European Third Country Operator permit by IASA underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms within the airline’s safety management framework.

This situation not only impacts PIA’s operational capacity but also raises broader concerns about Pakistan’s aviation safety oversight.

In response to these developments, stakeholders within Pakistan’s aviation sector are intensifying efforts to address the deficiencies highlighted by international regulators. However, until PIA meets the EU’s stringent safety standards, the ban on its European flights remains in force, affecting both the airline’s operations and Pakistan’s standing in global aviation safety protocols.