Lahore: The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) rejected the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) advisory warning. It was that airlines not to fly below FL 260 altitude over Lahore and Karachi. Authorities claimed that the country’s airspace is “completely safe” for all commercial flights.
CAA spokesperson: “EASA has not informed Pakistan of any threat to European airlines.”
His comments followed yesterday’s EASA advice warning airlines of “violent non-state actor groups” in Pakistan with anti-aviation weapons.
“There is a continued possible threat to civil aviation resulting in a high risk to operation at altitudes below FL 260,” caution stated.
Moreover, The Aircraft Owners Operators Association (AOOA) demanded that this regulation be rescinded.
While, AOOA founder Imran Aslam Khan called EASA’s orders “irresponsible”. He noted that multiple planes fly to and from Pakistani airports daily.
EASA should monitor European airspace. “After the Ukraine-Russia tension, European airspace is not safe for planes, and many airlines have changed their routes,” he stated, criticising the European agency.
EASA cautioned European airlines flying over Karachi and Lahore yesterday.
It advised pilots to fly at 26,000 feet to escape anti-aircraft guns and missiles.
It urged aviation operators to include this and other pertinent information in their risk assessments, together with any applicable national authority instructions.
The agency has issued such advisories before. Last November, an advice advised operators to fly over 24,000 feet and use “extreme caution” over the country.
EASA has never warned of a specific threat to Pakistani flights.
Moreover, On its website, the safety agency said it’s a neutral body that ensures confidence in safe air operations in Europe and worldwide by proposing and formulating rules, standards, and guidance; certifying aircraft, parts, and equipment; and approving and overseeing organisations in all aviation domains.
