Europe bars Pakistan International Airlines from flying to continent for 6 months

The move follows the grounding of 262 Pakistani pilots whose licences the country's aviation minister termed "dubious".

Reuters
Islamabad
June 30, 2020
UPDATED: June 30, 2020 20:02 IST

File image for representation: Reuters

The European Union Air Safety Agency (EASA) has suspended the authorisation for Pakistan's national airline to operate in Europe for six months, the airline's spokesman said on Tuesday.

The move follows the grounding of 262 Pakistani pilots whose licences the country's aviation minister termed "dubious".

"EASA has temporarily suspended PIA's authorization to operate to the EU member states for a period of 6 months effective July 1, 2020 with the right to appeal against this decision," a Pakistan International Airlines' statement said.

It added that PIA would discontinue all its flights to Europe temporarily.

IndiaToday.in has plenty of useful resources that can help you better understand the coronavirus pandemic and protect yourself. Read our comprehensive guide (with information on how the virus spreads, precautions and symptoms), watch an expert debunk myths, and access our dedicated coronavirus page.

Get real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from