The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a formal review of Pakistan’s aviation standards, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) confirmed. The move is seen as a key step toward restoring direct flights between Pakistan and the United States, which have been suspended for five years.
Background of the Suspension
Direct flights by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to the US, European Union, and United Kingdom were halted in June 2020 following the tragic crash of a PIA Airbus A-320 in Karachi, which claimed nearly 100 lives. Investigations pointed to pilot and air traffic control errors, and further inquiries revealed that around one-third of PIA pilots held fake or dubious licenses, raising significant regulatory concerns worldwide.
While flights to Europe and the UK resumed earlier this year, PIA aircraft remain barred from US airspace.
FAA Delegation Conducts Safety Review
On Monday, a five-member FAA team, accompanied by two US Embassy officials, began a comprehensive review of the PCAA in Karachi. The assessment will cover legal frameworks, operational procedures, and regulatory compliance.
The session was chaired by PCAA Director-General Nadir Shafi Dar, who briefed the delegation on the authority’s structure and oversight responsibilities. According to PCAA spokesperson Shahid Qadir, the review includes verification of operational documentation, departmental briefings, and inspections of current systems.
Once completed, the FAA will submit a formal assessment report to US authorities. Qadir emphasized that the PCAA is committed to addressing any shortcomings identified during the review.
Next Steps
A separate FAA security team is expected later this year to assess airport security, airspace management, cargo handling, and ground operations. Pakistan will be eligible to formally request approval for direct US flights only after both reviews are complete and all recommendations are implemented.
