PIA Awaits UK Nod to Soar the Skies Again

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) remains in a holding pattern, awaiting clearance from the UK's Department for Transport to resume flights suspended since June 2020 due to safety concerns. Meetings between PIA, the UK's Department for Transport, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency focus on lifting the ban.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is still waiting for the green light from the United Kingdom's Department for Transport (DfT) to resume its flights, which have been suspended since June 2020 over safety concerns. The UK authorities and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) imposed a ban following a deadly crash in Karachi.

The suspension was triggered after a devastating plane crash in Karachi in May 2020, which resulted in 97 fatalities. Investigations into pilot license validity further complicated the situation. While PIA has resumed flights to the European Union, the UK flights remain grounded.

Aviation authorities in the UK and Europe are engaged in talks, with recent meetings including inspections of PIA's operations. Yet, no decision has been communicated regarding lifting the ban on flights to the UK. PIA continues dialogue to secure the necessary clearance.

(With inputs from agencies.)