The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has secured approval for cargo services to the European Union after being suspended over security fears, officials said on Wednesday, a rare boost for the beleaguered flag-carrier.
The EU tightened security controls on air freight in the wake of a plot to smuggle a bomb hidden in printer toner cartridges on a plane from Yemen in 2010.
New regulations came into force in July this year and in September the EU suspended PIA’s right to fly cargo into the bloc over non-compliance.
The PIA got clearance from the EU after installing dual view X-ray machines and explosive trace detectors to thoroughly scan goods and parcels booked on its flights.
The PIA acquired the validation of safety and security standards for Lahore airport in September and now Karachi and Islamabad airports have also been granted the EU clearance.
