Webdesk: In a significant breakthrough in international aviation, the United Kingdom has formally taken Pakistan off its Air Safety List, which has opened the doors to Pakistani airlines to fly to the UK directly once again after over three years.
That ruling is a result of Pakistan making great strides in its aviation industry, which the UK Department of Transport announced on Wednesday. The UK’s Air Safety Committee, an independent body operating on technical grounds, confirmed that Pakistani carriers now meet international safety standards.
With this decision, all Pakistani airlines are now eligible to apply for flight permits from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. However, each airline must secure individual approval before launching operations.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, welcomed the development and praised the efforts of aviation professionals in both countries.
“I’m grateful to aviation experts in the UK and Pakistan for their collaborative work to drive improvements to meet international safety standards. 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,” said British High Commissioner Jane Marriott.
The UK had imposed a ban on Pakistani airlines in 2021 due to safety concerns. Since then, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has worked closely with international organizations to address the issues and implement reforms.
The ruling will greatly facilitate the movement of the more than 1.6 million UK based of Pakistan origin, as well as the thousands of Pakistan-based UK citizens. It is hoped to enhance family bonding and make life more convenient to the diaspora community.
The relocation has immense economic significance as well. The enhanced air travel connectivity will raise the existing trade of 4.7 billion euros that exists between the two nations. The UK is still the third largest trading partner of Pakistan and the improved avenational connectivity is expected to bring with it positive progress to business and tourism.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif made several key announcements regarding Pakistan’s aviation sector.
— Azaad English (@azaad_english) July 16, 2025
He called Pakistan’s removal from the UK air safety list a “major milestone.”
For more read https://t.co/8euIoaBeRX#AzaadEnglish #AaadDigital pic.twitter.com/SadmzGXYgk
While no immediate date has been set for the resumption of direct flights, aviation experts believe the process could begin soon now that the key regulatory hurdle has been removed.
Read more: ‘Ghar ke sher, global zero’: India’s growth illusion dissected by former RBI governor
