Pakistan set to resume direct flights to US after six years
Pakistan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), marking a significant step towards resolving financial obligations and resuming direct flights to the US after a six-year hiatus.
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) Director General, Nadir Shafi Dar, confirmed the development, calling it a “positive step” in reestablishing air links between the two nations. The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to the US has been in place since 2017 due to regulatory and financial challenges.
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Speaking to the media, Dar revealed that the agreement is aimed at clearing outstanding payments to the FAA and achieving compliance with international aviation standards. “We are preparing to clear the relevant fee payments to the FAA soon. This agreement lays the groundwork for addressing financial issues and achieving compliance,” he stated.
He further disclosed that an FAA delegation is expected to visit Pakistan by February or March 2024. The visit could potentially lead to an upgrade in Pakistan’s aviation safety rating from Category 2 to Category 1, enabling the country to expand its aviation operations globally.
According to a PIA spokesperson, before the suspension in 2017, the airline operated six weekly flights to the US—four to New York and two to Chicago. The resumption of these flights could significantly boost connectivity and travel opportunities for Pakistanis and Americans alike.
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