A team from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to visit Pakistan in March to evaluate the possibility of resuming direct flights between the two countries. Sources have confirmed that Islamabad has already paid the $75,000 fee required for the assessment, which is seen as a significant step in addressing the long-standing suspension of direct flights.
Direct flights between Pakistan and the US were halted in 2017, with efforts to restore them facing multiple challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the tragic PIA aircraft crash in Karachi in 2020. The situation worsened after the European Union banned Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), and the FAA subsequently downgraded Pakistan’s aviation safety rating from CA1 to CA2, further delaying any chances of restoring the flight routes.
Also Read: GPS Navigation Issues Impacting Flight Paths in Major Pakistani Airports
During the Covid-19 period, Pakistan was granted special permission to operate 12 humanitarian flights to the US, out of which seven were successfully completed. This temporary operation provided some relief but did not lead to a full resumption of services.
To facilitate the FAA’s upcoming assessment, PIA and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) have implemented various measures aimed at improving safety and regulatory standards. The FAA’s five-member team will conduct a preliminary review, marking a crucial step toward reinstating Pakistan’s aviation safety rating. Additionally, clearance from the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be required before the flights can officially resume.
If the restrictions are lifted, PIA plans to reintroduce direct flights to major US cities, including New York, Chicago, and Houston. Previously, PIA operated flights to the US via Manchester, but this time the focus is on establishing non-stop connectivity, enhancing convenience for travelers.
