PIA Flight Ban in EU/UK: What Happened and Current Status
In 2020 European and UK regulators suspended PIA’s authorisation to fly to their territories. In November 2024 the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted its suspension for PIA, but the UK position is separate and should be checked with the airline and the UK authorities.
What happened in 2020
After the May 2020 PIA crash in Karachi, Pakistan’s aviation minister said that a large share of pilots’ licences were questionable. Regulators in Europe, the UK and the United States took action. EASA suspended PIA’s third-country operator authorisation for flights into the EU, the UK suspended PIA’s permission, and the US suspended a permit.
Why it mattered
The decisions cut PIA’s access to some of its most valuable routes, especially to the UK and Europe, which are major markets for overseas Pakistanis.
What changed in 2024
In late 2024 EASA lifted the suspension of PIA’s authorisation, according to news reports and the regulator’s notices, and also cleared Airblue. The UK’s decision is separate. At the time of writing we could not confirm that the UK had restored PIA’s ability to fly its own aircraft there, so check before booking.
What this means for you
- If you plan to fly PIA to Europe or the UK, check that the route is operating and ask which airline operates it.
- If another airline operates your flight, you will see “operated by” on your ticket.
- Prices and availability change with demand.
Related
Are Pakistani airlines safe?, UK to Pakistan flights guide and history of PIA.
General information only, not legal or safety advice. Details change; check with your airline and the relevant authority. See our editorial policy.