As of February 2026, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is no longer banned from the UK, having successfully resumed direct flights in late 2025. The airline was originally barred in June 2020 following a major safety scandal where it was revealed that nearly 260 Pakistani pilots had "dubious" or fake licenses. This discovery, made after the tragic crash of flight PK8303, led the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the EU Air Safety Agency (EASA) to suspend PIA's operating permits over systemic safety concerns. After five years of rigorous audits, pilot re-certification, and CAA restructuring, the UK removed Pakistan from its "Air Safety List" in mid-2025. PIA resumed operations with a flagship route to Manchester in early 2026, with London flights following shortly after. While the airline is back in the skies, it remains under close international monitoring as it works to restore its global reputation for safety and operational integrity.