UK Removes Pakistan From Air Safety List – What It Means for Travellers
Fantastic news for travelers. On July 16, 2025, the UK’s Air Safety Committee officially removes Pakistan from Air Safety List, overturning a five-year ban imposed following serious licensing issues reported after 2020. This decision follows a very similar decision taken by the EU and makes it much easier for airlines, like PIA and Airblue, to apply for UK flight rights after the 2025 slot. This game-changer benefits the 1.6M+ Pakistani diaspora and £4.7B trade ties.
Here is a deeper dive into what it means for travelers, businesses, and families in 2025, and how 247 Airport Taxi can help you navigate the journey from taxi to touchdown.
1. Why UK Removes Pakistan from Air Safety List
Since June 2020, Pakistan’s major carriers faced a ban following the Karachi crash and a pilot licence scandal. After five years of rigorous safety assessments, including UK-led inspections in Islamabad, the UK Air Safety Committee has reversed the decision. Approval reflects Pakistan’s substantial aviation reforms and is an independent, technical process.
2. Airline Applications & Planned Routes
While airlines are now cleared to apply, they still need UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) permissions. PIA has announced plans for three weekly flights from Islamabad to Manchester, with further routes to London and Birmingham under review.
3. Rebuilding Confidence in Air Safety
The ban followed the revelation that nearly one-third of pilot licences in Pakistan were fraudulent. Both UK and EU regulators now consider Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority fully compliant after extensive safety upgrades, validating the removal.
4. When Can You Book Flights for UK?
Delisting doesn’t mean immediate service resumption. Airlines must now:
- Submit flight schedules
- Secure airport slots (Manchester, Heathrow…)
- Finalize insurance and permits
After the UK removes Pakistan from Air Safety List, optimistic forecasts suggest flights could resume by late 2025, with PIA leading the revival. However, some officials are hopeful that PIA flights would resume in August 2025.
5. Boosting UK-Pakistan Connections
The removal of Ban from Pakistan Airlines matters for the 1.6 million British Pakistanis. This means easier family travel and more affordable flights. It will increase business travel to UK. It also benefits UK-Pakistan trade (~£4.7 billion), and investment relations are poised to grow.
6. Smart Travel Tip: Pre-Book an Airport Taxi
Once flights resume, avoid travel stress with 247 Airport Taxi, because it offers:
- Smooth airport transfers through taxi Manchester, England, UK
- Efficient access to terminals from Manchester Airport cab
- Reliable, on-time service from the best airport taxi UK
One booking keeps your journey seamless from departure to touchdown.
7. Watch for Airline Performance
New services won’t always be flawless. Consider checking the worst airlines 2025 to avoid unreliable operators. Similarly, review worst European airlines if connecting through EU hubs, to ensure a hassle-free route.
Final Word
Therefore, the UK’s decision to remove Pakistan from Air Safety List is a historic step toward restoring direct flight links. Now, as airlines prepare to restart travel from Islamabad and beyond, travellers need to stay informed and ready.
When flights resume, book a taxi with 247 Airport Taxi, your go‑to for smooth, stress‑free travel in Englang UK.
