The restart of direct flights between Pakistan and the United Kingdom remains uncertain, with no confirmed date announced so far. Although the UK lifted its ban on Pakistani airlines last month, operations have yet to resume.
According to reports, the delay stems from the requirement for a Third-Country Operator (TCO) license. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and airlines have yet to resolve who is responsible for securing it.
The channel added that while the CAA maintains it is the airlines’ duty, the carriers argue that the process should be managed by the aviation regulator.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has stated that a flight schedule will be issued only once formal approval is received. Meanwhile, private carriers claim they are ready to begin services as soon as the license is granted.
Earlier, authorities suggested that flights could restart in mid-August or during the first week of September. However, those deadlines have now passed without progress, leaving passengers in limbo.
Having been associated with aviation sector for more than 31 years, with almost two decades on senior positions, I am bewildered what CAA has been doing for the last more than five years since fake pilots licence issue emerged. The authority is yet unaware about full compliance parameters to commence long awaited UK flights. It may be operator’s responsibility to acquire the requisite licence, yet CAA has to issue guidelines in this regard. This is another disappointing example inefficient state institutions!