The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun a formal review of Pakistan’s aviation standards, according to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). The review marks a crucial step toward restoring direct flights between Pakistan and the United States, which have been suspended for 5 years.
Direct flights by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to the US, the European Union, and the United Kingdom were suspended in June 2020, following the crash of a PIA Airbus A-320 in Karachi that killed nearly 100 people. Investigations attributed the crash to pilot and air traffic control errors. Subsequent inquiries revealed that around one-third of PIA pilots held fake or dubious licenses, raising serious regulatory concerns worldwide.
Although flights to Europe and the UK resumed earlier this year, PIA aircraft remain barred from entering US airspace.
On Monday, a five-member FAA team, joined by two US Embassy officials, began formal engagements with the PCAA in Karachi. The delegation will conduct a comprehensive safety assessment covering legal frameworks, operational procedures, and regulatory compliance.
The initial session was chaired by PCAA Director-General Nadir Shafi Dar, who briefed the delegation on the authority’s structure and oversight functions. According to PCAA spokesperson Shahid Qadir, the review will include verification of operational documentation, detailed departmental briefings, and inspections of current systems.
Once the review concludes, the FAA will prepare a formal assessment report for submission to US authorities. Qadir acknowledged the importance of external audits, saying the PCAA will address any shortcomings identified in the findings.
A separate FAA security team is also expected to visit later this year to assess airport security, airspace management, cargo handling, and ground operations. Only after both reviews are completed and all recommendations implemented will Pakistan be in a position to formally request approval for direct flight operations to the US.