Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has secured approval for cargo services to the European Union (EU) after being suspended over security fears. PIA found itself caught up in the tough regulation called Air Cargo or Mail Carrier operating into the EU from a Third Country (ACC3), which required carriers to take certain security screening measures by 31 July 2014. 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.

As part of its effort to comply with the regulation, PIA installed dual view x-ray machines and explosive trace detectors to thoroughly scan goods and parcels booked on its flights. The airline procured screening equipment like Dual View Rapiscan machines and Explosive Trace Detectors for three major Pakistani airports. 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.