The PIA Senate Committee Reveals Safety Warning as Key Factor in EU Flight Ban, Highlighting Broader Issues Beyond Pilot Concerns.
Senate Standing Committee on Aviation meeting chaired by Senator Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo, it was revealed that the restriction on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Europe is not solely due to pilot license issues but also stems from a safety warning issued to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) a year ago.
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla disclosed that the restriction was influenced by a prior safety warning received by the PCAA, confirming that the safety concerns predate the pilot license issues. The secretary of aviation corroborated this, acknowledging the warning received before the pilot licenses became a significant issue.
The committee was briefed on the PCAA’s advanced air traffic management and navigation systems. The meeting aimed to address ongoing challenges within the aviation sector.
Senator Sherry Rehman called for immediate action on the “license-gate” controversy and the four-year EU flight ban. She highlighted the need for transparency and accountability, criticizing the handling of both issues as unaddressed and opaque. Senator Sherry Rehman questioned the rationale behind the civil aviation authority conducting license exams while simultaneously listing alleged fake licenses, and criticized past aviation ministers for their detrimental impact on PIA and its pilots.
She stressed the importance of accountability, noting that if ordinary citizens were involved, they would face jail time. She demanded that the parliament and civil service provide detailed reports on the EU safety protocols and the pilot ban inquiry, with the committee chair agreeing to a special session to discuss these matters.
The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the CAA’s performance and the ongoing unresolved issues affecting airlines. Members criticized the CAA director general for not addressing the pilots’ concerns, labeling the period as a ‘dark era’ for Pakistan’s aviation industry. The secretary of aviation assured that the pilots’ issue would be resolved within two weeks.
PIA remains barred from European airspace due to international air safety concerns, though the CEO reported that most of these issues have been addressed. Additionally, the director general of the Airport Security Force (ASF) announced the installation of a new high-tech weighing camera at Jinnah International Airport and new baggage scanning machines across airports.
The committee was also informed about the restoration of Nawabshah Airport, which was damaged by flooding, and its current capability to handle A320 aircraft, with ongoing upgrades to accommodate Boeing 777 landings.
