UK removes Pakistan from air safety list clearing path for direct flights

In a major boost to travel and trade ties between the United Kingdom and Pakistan, the U.K. has officially removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List.

The announcement, made by the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority on Wednesday, comes after Pakistan met international air safety standards following years of technical reviews and cooperation between the two countries.

The decision opens the door for Pakistani airlines to resume direct flight operations to the UK, pending successful completion of permit applications. While the delisting does not automatically restore flights, it allows Pakistani carriers to apply for permission to operate once all logistical and regulatory processes are completed.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott welcomed the news, calling it a “significant step forward” for the over 1.6 million people of Pakistani heritage living in the U.K. and for the broader £4.7 billion bilateral trade relationship between the two nations.

“I’m grateful to aviation experts in the U.K. and Pakistan for their collaborative work to drive improvements to meet international safety standards,” Marriott said. “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 U.K.’s Air Safety Committee, which independently evaluates aviation safety standards, had placed Pakistan on its Air Safety List in 2021.

That move followed concerns raised about Pakistan’s aviation oversight after revelations of pilot licensing irregularities. Since then, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has undertaken sweeping reforms in coordination with international bodies, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the U.K.’s authority.

The Air Safety Committee concluded that the necessary safety improvements had been made, leading to Pakistan and its airlines being removed from the list. However, each Pakistani airline will now have to apply individually for a permit to operate flights to the U.K.

Aviation analysts say the announcement paves the way for national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to resume popular routes between cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and London or Manchester, which were suspended after the 2020 safety controversy.

The removal from the list is also expected to ease travel for thousands of British nationals in Pakistan and facilitate easier reunions for families separated across continents. Officials in both countries hope the move will further strengthen people-to-people links and help bolster trade and tourism.

The development comes as Pakistan seeks to regain the trust of international aviation regulators and return to key global markets following a period of scrutiny and grounding.

PIA prepares for takeoff

Following the announcement, PIA confirmed it is preparing to restart UK operations. A spokesperson for the national carrier said scheduling is already underway and flight services will commence as soon as required approvals are secured.

In the first phase, PIA plans to operate three weekly flights between Islamabad and Manchester, with further expansion expected based on demand and regulatory progress.

The airline attributed this success to coordinated efforts by key stakeholders, including the prime minister, deputy prime minister, Ministry of Defence, Civil Aviation Authority, and the British High Commission in Islamabad.

“Their personal involvement and commitment were instrumental in achieving this outcome,” the PIA spokesperson said.