Key Points
- UK grants TCO approval to PIA after five-year suspension
- Direct flights to Manchester to begin next month, with London and Birmingham to follow
- British Department for Transport also issues five-year ACC3 cargo certification
- Airline credits government backing and staff resilience through multiple audits
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has secured long-awaited regulatory clearance to resume direct flights to the United Kingdom, following the formal grant of Third-Country Operator (TCO) approval and a five-year ACC3 certificate by the British Department for Transport.
In a statement issued by the airline, the spokesman confirmed that the TCO approval allows PIA to operate direct services carrying both passengers and cargo. At the same time, the ACC3 designation affirms compliance with stringent European and UK security requirements for cargo operations. The certifications were described as “a testament to the complete confidence of international aviation bodies in PIA’s operations and safety,” he added in a statement issued here on Wednesday.
A gradual resumption next month
The national flag carrier said operations will resume from next month, beginning with flights to Manchester. Subsequent phases will add Birmingham and London to the network, restoring key routes that were suspended in 2020 due to safety concerns raised by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), including pilot licensing irregularities.
PIA Chief Executive Officer expressed gratitude to the prime minister, deputy prime minister, minister of defence, and the Civil Aviation Authority for their support in facilitating the airline’s regulatory compliance. He also commended PIA employees for enduring “five years of rigorous audits” to secure the clearances.
A potential turnaround
The clearance marks a significant turnaround for Pakistan’s aviation sector. The UK had earlier removed Pakistan from its “Air Safety List,” a move that opened the path for PIA to reapply for approvals.
The spokesperson’s office also dismissed what he termed speculative news in the local media that had claimed certain procedural bottlenecks were hindering the actual resumption of flights. The officials also rebuffed the reported impression of aircraft shortage with the PIA.
The decision is being closely watched by Pakistani diaspora communities in Britain, who have long relied on PIA for direct connectivity. Aviation analysts observed that restoring these routes was expected to benefit not only passenger traffic but also cargo trade links between the two countries, particularly in textiles and perishable goods.
Regulatory audits
Over the past five years, PIA has undergone multiple international audits and compliance checks covering airworthiness, safety management, and security protocols. These audits were conducted by British and European authorities as well as by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
UK air safety list
Earlier this year, the United Kingdom removed Pakistan from its “Air Safety List,” a step that allowed PIA to apply for Third-Country Operator (TCO) certification. The UK Department for Transport’s latest approvals—TCO for passenger operations and ACC3 for cargo security—mark the first time since 2020 that PIA has regained full clearance for UK operations.
Economic and diaspora links
Analysts note that resumption of direct flights is vital for Pakistan’s economy, as the UK remains one of the largest destinations for Pakistani exports and is home to one of the biggest Pakistani diaspora populations in Europe.
