LAHORE:
After winning back approvals for flight operations to the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK), Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is now looking ahead with optimism as talks with the United States aviation regulator show promising signs of progress.
A delegation from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently completed a week-long consultation with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), assisted by officials from the US Embassy. The discussions focused on Pakistan’s legal, regulatory, and operational framework, with both sides stressing the need for stronger aviation safety and oversight.
According to sources within the PCAA, the FAA team appeared satisfied with the measures taken so far. Many of the safety and licensing concerns that once plagued Pakistan’s aviation sector have now been addressed, fueling strong hopes that direct flights to the US may soon resume. The FAA delegation has since returned to Washington and is expected to share its findings in the coming weeks. PIA’s CEO also met with the US officials to brief them on the airline’s current operations.
Flights from Pakistan to the US, EU, and UK were suspended after the aviation scandal in 2020, when the then federal aviation minister revealed in parliament that several Pakistani pilots had obtained licenses without proper examinations and training. The disclosure led to widespread international concern and bans on Pakistani carriers.
Meanwhile, PIA has temporarily suspended its flights to Canada this month as two of its long-range Boeing 777 aircraft undergo mandatory technical inspections and parts replacement. The maintenance, required every 10 years, is expected to last three weeks. These planes are among the few in PIA’s fleet capable of nonstop flights lasting up to 17 hours.
A PIA spokesperson explained that the step was necessary to ensure the aircraft are fully prepared ahead of next month’s anticipated rise in passenger demand. “We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers, but their safety and the complete fitness of our aircraft remain our foremost priority,” the airline said.
