The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has postponed its decision to lift the ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights.
Sources indicate that the extension is due to the Civil Aviation Authority’s failure to implement the steps required by the EU Commission.
A report presented at the EU Commission meeting on May 31 advises Pakistan to appoint officers with professional qualifications in civil aviation.
The report notes that the ban has been in place for four years due to the actions of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. Sources suggest the continued suspension of flights to European countries could negatively impact PIA’s privatization plans.
The European Union Air Safety Committee concluded that continuous monitoring of Pakistan’s safety situation and developments is essential. This will involve organizing regular technical meetings in Brussels before each EU Air Safety Committee meeting and receiving regular progress reports from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).
The committee also noted the possibility of inviting the PCAA to additional hearings at future EU Air Safety Committee meetings if needed.
The commission emphasized the importance of the government’s ongoing support and the need for stable leadership within the PCAA as fundamental to its effective functioning.
“In accordance with the common criteria set out in the regulation, the commission considers that at this time there are no grounds for amending the list of air carriers subjected to an operating ban within the union concerning air carriers certified in Pakistan,” it stated in a report.
The report added that EU member states should continue to verify the compliance of air carriers certified in Pakistan with relevant international safety standards by prioritizing ramp inspections of these carriers, following regulation EU 965/2012.
“Where any relevant safety information reveals imminent safety risks resulting from non-compliance with the relevant international safety standard, further action by the commission can become necessary,” the report stated.
