By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – In a significant development, the British government has lifted its ban on Pakistani airlines, clearing the way for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to resume its operations to the United Kingdom after a prolonged suspension.
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According to an official statement issued by PIA, the lifting of the ban serves as a strong endorsement of the airline’s improved air safety standards. The move follows rigorous compliance with international aviation safety protocols, which were closely reviewed by the British Air Safety Committee.
“PIA is once again determined to fly in the skies of the UK,” the airline’s spokesperson said, adding that preparations are being finalized to resume direct flights between Pakistan and the UK in the shortest possible time.
The airline has already begun the process of filing its flight schedule, with the first phase of the operation expected to start from Islamabad to Manchester. Once approved, three flights per week will initially be operated on this route.
The PIA administration expressed special gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, and the Ministry of Defense, along with the British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and other relevant institutions. Their coordinated efforts and diplomatic engagement played a pivotal role in the successful lifting of the ban.
The resumption of flights is expected to facilitate thousands of Pakistanis living in the UK and boost the national carrier’s international operations.
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