EU Aviation Team Arrives in Pakistan: Staff Training Begins

Pakistan’s aviation industry is regaining altitude after years of setbacks. With the recent resumption of direct flights to Paris, following the European Union’s decision to lift its ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), a wave of optimism is returning to the country’s airspace.

The green light from the EU has also allowed private airline Airblue to operate in European skies—an important milestone after a suspension that had been in place since 2020.

Now, as Pakistan sets its sights on expanding operations to other European destinations, including the United Kingdom, a new initiative is taking off—this time on the ground.

European Experts to Lead Security Training in Islamabad

In a first-of-its-kind move, a two-member team from the European Civil Aviation sector will arrive in Pakistan next week to deliver specialized security training and certification to airport regulators. Dispatched on the directive of the European Union, the team will conduct sessions at Islamabad International Airport with a focus on meeting international standards in aviation security.

The training will specifically target two critical areas:

• Explosives Trace Detection (ETD)
• Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD)

These components play a crucial role in ensuring airport safety and building global confidence in Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure.

Strengthening Pakistan’s International Credibility

According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the training is not just a formality—it’s a significant step toward rebuilding trust with global aviation regulators. A senior official from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority highlighted that aviation security is one of the most frequently audited areas in international oversight.

“The first thing inspectors examine is the training and profile of security personnel. This initiative will strengthen our credibility on the global stage,” the official noted.

The Road Ahead: UK Flights Still Await Approval

Despite progress, there are still hurdles to overcome. While flights to Paris have resumed, PIA and other Pakistani airlines remain banned from operating in the UK. Discussions and negotiations are underway to lift this restriction, but for now, Pakistani authorities are focusing on meeting all compliance benchmarks required by international regulators.

A Step Toward Global Reintegration

This European-led training marks a strategic move toward restoring full connectivity between Pakistan and the wider world. As the country continues to upgrade its aviation standards and rebuild trust, initiatives like this are expected to pave the way for broader access to European airspace, and potentially, full reinstatement of services to the UK.