A seven-member team from the UK Department for Transport is expected to arrive in Pakistan today to carry out an audit of the country’s aviation standards, as part of efforts to restore flights by Pakistani airlines to the UK , reported Express News.
From Monday, the team will begin auditing the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), covering several areas including licensing, airworthiness, flight standards and other crucial aspects of aviation operations.
“We are ready to inform British officials,” said Nadir Shafi Dar, director general of the PCAA, who will lead the local team during the audit. The audit will take place from January 27 to February 6, 2025.
A successful audit could lead to the lifting of restrictions imposed in 2020 on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and all other Pakistani carriers, potentially allowing them to resume services to the UK.
In preparation for the audit, Pakistan’s civil aviation officials have made numerous arrangements. Staff have been asked to report to work on Saturday, even though it is a holiday, to ensure the audit goes smoothly.
Pakistan is eager to restore access to one of its key international markets, which was disrupted following the grounding of PIA flights by British authorities over security concerns in 2020. The The outcome of this audit could have a significant impact on Pakistan’s aviation industry and its relationship with global regulators.
