FO welcomes UK’s decision to remove Pakistan from Air Safety List

Pakistan has welcomed the decision by the UK Air Safety Committee to remove its airline carriers from the Air Safety List, thereby allowing the resumption of commercial flights to the United Kingdom after a five-year hiatus.

In a statement, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said this landmark decision is an affirmation of Pakistan’s sustained diplomatic and technical efforts over the past years. He said we have demonstrated our firm commitment to meeting and upholding the highest international safety standards.

The spokesperson said removal of the ban marks an important restoration of connectivity between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, supporting millions of Pakistanis living in the UK and strengthening economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties.

With over 1.7 million British Pakistanis forming one of the largest diaspora communities in the UK, the resumption of direct flights promises significant benefits for families, businesses, tourism, and trade.

The spokesperson expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom for acknowledging Pakistan’s commitment to aviation safety and cooperating constructively throughout the evaluation process.