News
February 21 , 2025
Pakistan International Airlines Eyes Major Comeback with Direct Flights to US
Karachi: Pakistan International Airlines moves closer to restoring direct flights to the United States as the Federal Aviation Administration prepares a crucial safety review.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is making significant strides toward restoring direct flights to the United States, marking a potential breakthrough for the national carrier. Reports indicate that an upcoming visit by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could pave the way for this long-anticipated revival.
A high-level delegation from the FAA is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan in mid-March to conduct a final assessment of the country’s aviation standards. The five-member team will evaluate whether Pakistan meets the necessary requirements to regain Category 1 status—a crucial designation that enables airlines to operate direct flights to the United States.
According to aviation insiders, Pakistan and the US have already signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate the return of direct air connectivity. However, final approval depends on the outcome of the FAA’s comprehensive inspection.
Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been intensifying efforts to restore its aviation safety rating after it was downgraded to Category 2, following restrictions imposed by European and UK aviation authorities. The downgrade effectively barred Pakistani carriers from launching new routes to the US and other regions, dealing a significant blow to PIA’s international operations.
Direct flights between Pakistan and the US have been suspended since 2017. Prior to that, PIA operated multiple weekly services to major American cities, including New York and Chicago. The airline’s return to US airspace would be a major milestone, benefiting both business and leisure travelers while enhancing global connectivity.
In addition to its aspirations for US flights, PIA has been working diligently to restore direct services to other key destinations. Recently, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that PIA is set to resume direct flights to the United Kingdom by the end of February.
PIA’s revival strategy comes after years of operational and financial hurdles that significantly impacted its global standing. By addressing regulatory concerns and strengthening safety measures, the airline aims to regain passenger confidence and expand its international footprint.
As Pakistan awaits the FAA’s verdict, the successful reinstatement of direct flights to the US could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the country’s aviation sector. - TTW
Courtesy TTW
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