American experts begin review of Pakistan's aviation standards

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun a formal review of Pakistan’s aviation standards, according to a spokesperson from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).

The development marks a significant step in Pakistan’s efforts to resume direct flights to the US after a five-year suspension.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the country’s national carrier, was banned from flying to the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom in June 2020. The ban came in the aftermath of a tragic crash involving a PIA Airbus A-320 in Karachi, which killed nearly 100 people. Investigations later attributed the crash to pilot and air traffic control errors. The incident also led to revelations that around one-third of PIA pilots held fake or dubious licenses, prompting global regulatory concerns.

While PIA resumed flights to Europe and the UK earlier this year after regulatory bans were lifted, it remains barred from operating direct flights to the US.

On Monday, a five-member FAA delegation, accompanied by two US Embassy officials, began formal engagements with PCAA officials in Karachi. According to PCAA spokesperson Shahid Qadir, the visit is expected to result in a comprehensive safety assessment report that could pave the way for the restoration of direct flight operations to the US.

The initial session was chaired by PCAA Director-General Nadir Shafi Dar, who briefed the FAA team on the authority’s organizational structure, operational scope, and regulatory functions. Throughout the week, the FAA team will hold detailed discussions with various PCAA departments, evaluating legal frameworks, operational procedures, and regulatory compliance based on international aviation standards.

“The assessment includes detailed briefings, verification of regulatory and operational documentation, and inspection of current systems,” said Qadir. “Once the review is complete, the FAA will prepare a formal report to submit to relevant US authorities.”

Qadir acknowledged that no system is perfect, and external audits are valuable for identifying areas of improvement. “We will address any issues highlighted in the report,” he said.

In addition to the ongoing safety assessment, a separate FAA security team is expected to visit Pakistan later this year. Their focus will be on evaluating airport security, airspace management, cargo procedures, and ground handling operations.

“Only after both assessments are completed and all recommendations addressed will Pakistan be in a position to request approval for resuming direct flights to the US,” Qadir added.

The resumption of direct flights would be a major boost for Pakistan’s aviation sector and its global standing. It would also benefit the estimated 700,000 Pakistani expatriates in the US, along with business and leisure travelers, by significantly reducing travel times.