Islamabad, In a significant development for Pakistan’s aviation sector and its international partnerships, the United Kingdom has officially removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List. This decision, announced on 16 July 2025, marks the culmination of sustained efforts to improve aviation safety standards and restore confidence in Pakistan’s regulatory oversight.
The UK’s Air Safety Committee, an independent body responsible for monitoring and evaluating global air safety standards, concluded that Pakistan had made sufficient improvements to warrant delisting. Restrictions originally imposed in 2021 had barred Pakistani airlines from operating flights to the UK due to safety concerns. Following years of technical engagement and collaboration between the UK and Pakistan’s aviation authorities, those concerns have now been addressed.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, welcomed the development, expressing appreciation for the technical experts from both nations who contributed to the reforms. “While it will take time for flights to resume, once the logistics are in place, I look forward to using a Pakistani carrier when visiting family and friends,” she said.
While this announcement does not mean an immediate resumption of direct flights by Pakistani carriers, it does allow them to apply for operating permits through the UK Civil Aviation Authority — a process expected to unfold over the coming months.
The timing of the decision is especially important given the enduring people-to-people and economic ties between the two nations. With over 1.6 million British citizens of Pakistani heritage and thousands of UK nationals residing in Pakistan, the removal of these restrictions has the potential to significantly ease travel and reunite families more easily.
Additionally, the UK is Pakistan’s third largest trading partner, with bilateral trade currently valued at £4.7 billion. Enhancing aviation links will likely facilitate greater movement of goods and people, supporting both commercial and cultural exchanges.
This development is not only a vote of confidence in Pakistan’s aviation reforms but also a reminder of the importance of international regulatory collaboration. As Pakistani carriers prepare to re-enter UK airspace, the broader message is one of progress, accountability, and renewed connectivity.
