THE complacent attitude of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in addressing the issue of the ongoing ban on Pakistani airlines to European Union member states is disappointing. The issue has remained unresolved since the plane crash in Karachi back in May 2020. The post-accident re-porting was badly mishandled, bringing to light irregularities within the national aviation sector, prompting the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to ban Pakistani airlines holding Third Country Operators (TCO) authorisation for operations in Europe.

Despite significant implications for the national airline and the broader economy, there has been a troubling lack of urgency in restoring these vital connections by addressing the issues raised by EASA. The CAA’s failure to implement appro-priate corrective measures undermines public confidence in the aviation safety standards, hampering the growth potential of tourism and business sectors.

It is imperative that the CAA acts swiftly to rectify the safety concerns highlighted by EASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Ensuring compliance with international safety and regulatory standards will not only help rebuild trust, but also support economic growth and connectivity. Clear communication about improvements and a commitment to maintaining high stand-ards will be essential during this process.

K.A.J.
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2024