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Flying Ban Reversal

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The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has officially lifted its longstanding restriction on flights by the national flag carrier to and from Europe. This decision marks the end of a ban that lasted over four years, providing a significant opportunity for the airline to rebuild its operations in the region. However, resuming services on high-demand European routes is expected to take several months. The airline must invest heavily in acquiring new aircraft and meeting operational standards to regain its position in the competitive market. Despite this progress, restrictions on flights to the United Kingdom remain in place, posing a challenge to the carrier’s full reintegration into European airspace.

The lifting of the EU ban on the national airline’s flights, following repeated failures by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to address safety concerns since 2020, is a moment of relief for the aviation sector. EASA’s decision reflects restored confidence in the CAA’s oversight, credited to significant reforms and enhanced regulatory compliance. However, the European agency has emphasized that monitoring will continue, with ramp inspections prioritized to ensure safety standards and address potential risks before they escalate.

The ban, initially triggered by a tragic plane crash in Karachi and allegations of fake pilot licenses, inflicted severe reputational damage and financial losses, estimated at nearly Rs40 billion annually. It also undermined efforts to privatize the airline, with a recent attempt failing when only one bidder offered Rs10 billion for a 60% stake—far below the Rs85 billion asking price. The resumption of European operations is seen by some as an opportunity to rejuvenate the carrier and potentially abandon privatization plans in favor of investments under new management.

However, past attempts to revive the airline have highlighted systemic inefficiencies and deep-rooted issues. Critics argue that expecting European flights alone to restore profitability is unrealistic, as the airline’s struggles stem from years of mismanagement and structural flaws. While the new development may attract more interest from bidders, a long-term solution likely lies in privatization rather than further public investment. Authorities must remain focused on restructuring the airline for a more competitive bidding process instead of pursuing costly revival strategies.

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