Pakistan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is addressing pending financial obligations, paving the way for the resumption of direct flights to the United States by the second quarter of 2025.
Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Nadir Shafi Dar disclosed in an interview with a local daily that US aviation officials are expected to visit Pakistan in February or March 2025 for an assessment to determine whether the country can regain Category I status.
A successful assessment would enable Pakistani airlines to operate direct flights to the US.
“FAA will follow criteria similar to the recent European Union assessment, which delivered positive results. I believe we are well-positioned to pass their assessment,” Dar said.
The development comes at a crucial time, as the European aviation agency recently lifted the four-year ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Europe. Pakistan also plans to approach the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) to seek resumption of flights.
The clearance from the EU aviation agency for PIA flights and anticipated approval for UK flights have bolstered investor confidence.
PIA is expected to resume its flights to Europe in January, starting with Paris, after the EU aviation regulator lifted a ban on the national flag carrier.
