The United Kingdom has removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List, a major breakthrough that allows Pakistani airlines to apply for direct flight operations to the UK, the Air Safety Committee announced on Wednesday.
This long-awaited decision ends years of airspace restrictions imposed on Pakistan following safety concerns raised in 2021. Although Pakistani carriers can now submit applications to operate flights, each airline must still secure permits from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) through a separate vetting process.
The UK’s Air Safety Committee emphasized that this move came after extensive technical collaboration with Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). Aviation authorities in both countries have worked closely to implement international safety standards. The removal of Pakistan from the list marks an official recognition that Pakistan has made “sufficient improvements” in aviation safety procedures, infrastructure, and oversight.
This decision is not only a boost for Pakistan’s aviation sector but also a major relief for the over 1.6 million British residents of Pakistani origin, many of whom travel frequently between the two countries.
Decision Expected to Boost Travel and Trade
The removal of Pakistan from the Air Safety List is also expected to support growing bilateral ties, particularly in tourism, business, and trade, which currently stands at £4.7 billion. With the UK being Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, experts say this move could lead to increased cargo operations, business delegations, and official visits.
“This decision is a win for both countries,” said an official from Pakistan’s Ministry of Aviation. “Pakistani carriers now have a chance to compete in one of the world’s busiest and most profitable routes, while British businesses can expect smoother connectivity with one of South Asia’s most dynamic markets.”
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott praised the cooperation between the two nations:
“I’m grateful to aviation experts in the UK and Pakistan for their collaborative work to drive improvements to meet international safety standards. 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 sentiment reflects optimism that direct flights by Pakistani airlines to the UK will soon be back in service—something the Pakistani diaspora has long called for, especially in peak travel seasons like Eid, summer holidays, and wedding months.
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UK’s Air Safety Committee Endorses Pakistan After Technical Review
The decision was the outcome of an independent and technically-driven review led by the UK’s Air Safety Committee, which assessed Pakistan’s compliance with global aviation standards.
Since the 2021 ban, Pakistan has undergone multiple International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audits, revamped its licensing systems, and upgraded oversight mechanisms. As a result, the PCAA has restored international credibility, setting the stage for safe, efficient flight operations.
According to aviation insiders, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), SereneAir, and Airblue are likely to apply for UK routes, with PIA particularly eager to resume its once-busy operations to London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
However, UK officials cautioned that while the removal from the Air Safety List is a “positive first step,” each airline will still undergo a rigorous evaluation before being granted final permissions.
Still, for Pakistani airlines, the green light from UK’s Air Safety Committee is more than just a symbolic gesture—it’s a ticket back to international legitimacy and commercial viability.
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