The United Kingdom has officially removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List, allowing Pakistani airlines to apply for flight operations to the UK, according to an announcement by the UK’s Air Safety Committee on Wednesday.
While this marks a significant step forward, Pakistani carriers will still need to obtain individual flight permits from the UK Civil Aviation Authority through a separate application process before operations can begin.
Pakistan was added to the list in 2021 over safety concerns. Since then, extensive technical cooperation between Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and the UK’s aviation authorities has led to the necessary improvements. Officials confirmed that Pakistan has now met international aviation safety standards.
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The development is expected to benefit over 1.6 million people of Pakistani origin living in the UK, as well as British nationals travelling to and from Pakistan. It could also boost trade ties, with current bilateral trade valued at £4.7 billion. The UK is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner.
The decision was made following a detailed and independent safety assessment, carried out by the UK’s Air Safety Committee.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott appreciated the technical collaboration between the two countries, expressing hope that Pakistani airlines would soon resume flights to the UK. She said she looked forward to flying with a Pakistani carrier on future visits to family and friends.