In a significant development, The European Union Air Safety Agency (EASA) has taken an unprecedented decision to suspend the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe from July 1 for the next six months.
The EASA came to know that 30% of Pakistan’s civilian pilots have fake licences and are not qualified to fly. These pilots have been flying planes for several years and Pakistan hid this information from the world. The move comes after Pakistan itself admitted that 262 pilots have “dubious” licenses.
“EASA has temporarily suspended PIA’s authorisation to operate to the EU member states for a period of 6 months effective July 1, 2020, with the right to appeal against this decision,” a PIA statement said.
No PIA flights will be allowed to operate in Europe for 180 days. EASA made its decision to suspend PIA flights in the wake of the fake license issue.
“PIA is in contact with EASA to allay their concerns and to take necessary corrective measures along with filing the appeal against the decision,” the statement said.
The truth of Pakistan International Airlines came to the fore after Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Minister informed that more than 30% of civilian pilots are using fake licences and are not qualified to fly. As per reports in international media, the aviation minister informed that the pilots have zero flying experience.
Following this, the European Union (EU) air safety agency has put restrictions on all PIA flights with immediate effect. Meanwhile, the UN has also asked its staff to avoid travelling by PIA.
