Direct flights from Pakistan to US look promising after FAA visit

After several years, the American Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) team has arrived in Pakistan to conduct a comprehensive audit of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), raising hopes for the restoration of direct flights from Pakistan to the United States, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.

The five-member FAA inspection team arrived in Karachi from Dubai aboard a foreign airline flight. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by officials from the US Consulate Karachi and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. Stringent security measures were implemented at Karachi Airport in preparation for the visit.

During their stay, the FAA team will audit multiple departments of Pakistan CAA, including Licensing, Flight Standards, Airworthiness, and State Safety. The audit is scheduled to be completed by September 12, 2025, after which the team will return to the US.

This visit follows a major scandal involving fake pilot licences in Pakistani airlines, which led to bans on Pakistani carriers flying to the UK, Europe, and the US. Consequently, the FAA had downgraded Pakistan CAA’s rating, impacting international operations and direct flights.

A successful FAA audit could lead to the lifting of the ban on direct flights to the US and improve Pakistan CAA’s international rating, enabling smoother global operations for Pakistani airlines.

Reporter: Khurshid Rehmani