Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is making significant strides in its efforts to resume direct flights to the United Kingdom, as the British Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has commenced an audit of the airline.
A British team recently visited PIA’s head office in Karachi, where they began evaluating the airline’s flight safety protocols and operational procedures. They are specifically reviewing PIA’s upgraded flight management system and newly implemented Safety Management System, according to sources.
PIA’s flights to the UK and Europe were suspended in 2020 following the revelation of a fake pilot license scandal within Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority. While the airline has resumed flights to several European countries, regaining approval for UK operations remains a top priority.
A team from the British CAA and the UK Department of Transport arrived in Pakistan recently to conduct a safety audit of both PIA and Pakistan’s civil aviation sector. This audit is a crucial step in lifting the UK flight ban and restoring direct air travel between the two countries.
British High Commission to Provide Training
In addition to the audit, the British High Commission plans to organize training sessions at major international airports in Pakistan, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The training will cover security measures for British passports and UK immigration procedures.
FIA officials, airline staff, and ground handling service providers will attend these sessions to ensure compliance with UK security and immigration standards, facilitating the restoration of direct flights.
