EU bans Pakistan International Airline for 6 months

 The European Union's Air Safety Agency has suspended Pakistan Airlines' air operations permit for European countries for six months, after which all PIA flights to Europe have been canceled. Due to the efforts of the national airline has been given a respite until July 3 to continue flights.

According to PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan, the European Union Safety Agency has suspended PIA's air operation permit for European countries for six months, which came into force on July 1 at 12 noon Universal Time (UTC). ۔ However, an appeal can be lodged against this decision. As a result of steps taken by the government and the administration in this regard, the suspension can be restored as soon as possible.

He said all PIA flights to Europe have been temporarily canceled. Passengers with PIA bookings can postpone it or get a refund if they wish

He said the PIA was in constant touch with the European Aviation Safety Authority and was taking steps to address their concerns. Hopefully, as a result of the steps taken by the government and the administration, this suspension will end soon

Sources said that the matter and the decision could be appealed within two months. Regarding implementation, the technical team also met with airline officials during their visits to Pakistan in June and September 2019.

According to the sources, the report given by the said technical team has been implemented in accordance with the conditions laid down in the EASA meeting. ۔ The PIA has also been notified by Patrick, Director of the European Union Air Safety Agency.

According to PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan, due to the efforts of the Pakistani government, the European Union has allowed PIA to operate flights till July 3. The Foreign Secretary urgently contacted the ambassadors of all European countries, after which the PIA was allowed to land and overfly in the UK and Europe from July 1 to 3.

According to the spokesperson, the PIA administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ambassador of Pakistan are in constant touch with the European authorities. PIA's return flights from Islamabad to London and PK785 and 786 will operate as usual. Other flights will be announced soon.

Sources said that the alleged reasons for the suspension of European operations of the national airline included the issue of suspected licenses of PIA pilots.