Islamabad, Feb 16: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is making significant progress toward reviving direct flights to the United States, with a crucial inspection by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) scheduled for mid-March, sources revealed.
The five-member FAA team will conduct a comprehensive review of Pakistan’s aviation standards to assess whether the country qualifies for Category 1 status—a key requirement for resuming direct flights to the US. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is working diligently to regain this status, which was downgraded to Category 2 following restrictions imposed by Europe and the UK on Pakistani flights.
PIA’s Plans for International Expansion
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and the US has already been signed, signaling strong intent to restore connectivity. PIA’s direct flights to the US were suspended in 2017, and before this, the airline operated six weekly flights, including routes to New York and Chicago.
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In a recent update, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that PIA will restart direct flights to the UK by the end of February. Additionally, the airline is preparing to launch flights to 19 European destinations, including Barcelona and Milan, and is also planning services to the US and Canada.
Strengthening PIA’s Global Presence
The revival of direct international flights is expected to boost PIA’s market value, making it a more attractive prospect for privatization. The airline has been actively working to rebuild its reputation and expand its global operations after facing several challenges in recent years.
With regulatory approvals in progress and efforts focused on meeting international safety and service standards, PIA is on track to reconnect Pakistan with key global destinations and reestablish itself as a leading international carrier.
