UK Restores Cargo Rights to PIA After Five-Year Ban – September 24, 2025
After a five-year suspension, the UK restores PIA’s cargo rights following a rigorous safety audit and Pakistan’s aviation reforms. Full details inside.
Raja Awais Ali
9/24/20251 min read
UK Restores Cargo Rights to PIA After Five-Year Ban – 24 September 2025
On 24 September 2025, the United Kingdom’s Department for Transport reinstated cargo operating rights for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), ending a five-year suspension and opening new trade opportunities between the two nations. This decision followed a thorough safety and regulatory review confirming that PIA now meets international aviation standards.
Why the License Was Suspended
The UK imposed restrictions in 2020 after a Karachi plane crash investigation revealed irregularities in pilot licensing and safety oversight. Key factors included:
Safety Concerns: Issues with pilot certification and gaps in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Operational Weaknesses: Maintenance and documentation practices that did not meet UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requirements.
Audit Delays: COVID-19 disruptions slowed inspections and recertification efforts.
Reforms That Led to Approval
Pakistan’s aviation sector undertook major reforms to regain international trust:
Successful UK Audit: Multi-stage technical and safety inspections in 2024–25 confirmed PIA’s full compliance with UK and ICAO standards.
Regulatory Overhaul: Digitized pilot licensing, improved aircraft maintenance protocols, and enhanced record-keeping elevated operations to global benchmarks.
Diplomatic Coordination: Continuous engagement between Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority and UK regulators ensured transparency and confidence.
Impact on Trade and Economy
Restoring PIA’s cargo rights allows direct freight flights between Pakistan and the UK, which will:
Reduce shipping costs and transit times for exporters.
Strengthen Pakistan’s position in international trade and logistics.
Encourage similar agreements with other key global markets.
Industry experts predict this move will boost exports, create new logistics opportunities, and signal renewed international confidence in Pakistan’s aviation oversight.