ISLAMABAD (AP) — The United Kingdom has lifted a longstanding ban on Pakistani airlines due to significant improvements in aviation safety standards within the country. This announcement was made by the British diplomatic mission in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The U.K. Air Safety Committee originally imposed the ban after revelations by Pakistan's aviation minister in June 2020, which disclosed that nearly one-third of the country's pilots had cheated on their licensing exams. These claims followed a tragic incident in which a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) crash resulted in the deaths of 97 people in Karachi on May 24, 2020. The severity of this situation prompted international concern regarding the safety practices of Pakistani airlines.

Wednesday's announcement comes in the backdrop of broader international acknowledgment of Pakistan's efforts to enhance air safety. Earlier this year, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency also lifted its five-year-long ban, allowing Pakistan International Airlines to recommence direct flights to Europe. This marked a significant turnaround for the airline industry in Pakistan, which has faced numerous challenges in gaining international confidence.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing that extensive discussions between the U.K. Air Safety Committee and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority have led to the removal of restrictions on Pakistani airlines. The high commission, which represents the U.K. in Commonwealth countries, operates similarly to an embassy. Marriott noted that while the general ban has been lifted, individual airlines must still apply for operating permits from the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority.

Marriott expressed gratitude to aviation experts in both the U.K. and Pakistan for their collaborative efforts in meeting international safety standards. She mentioned, “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.” The high commission also highlighted that decisions regarding countries or carriers being removed from the U.K. Air Safety List are determined through an independent safety process supervised by the Air Safety Committee.

With over 1.6 million individuals of Pakistani heritage residing in the U.K. and thousands of British nationals living in Pakistan, this recent development is expected to facilitate familial reconnections and potentially strengthen bilateral trade ties between the two nations.

Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif welcomed the U.K.'s decision to lift the ban. Speaking at a televised news conference on Wednesday, Asif attributed the original ban to what he termed “baseless” remarks made by former aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan. He argued that Khan’s claims not only tarnished the image of Pakistan's aviation sector but also led to significant financial losses for Pakistan International Airlines, affecting its operations and reputation globally.

Overall, the lifting of the ban marks a pivotal moment for the future of air travel between Pakistan and the U.K., opening new avenues for connectivity that hold promise for families and businesses alike.