Pakistan-US direct flights move closer as aviation talks make progress

The meeting focused on aviation safety, security and efforts to restore the direct air link. The delegation was led by US Consul General Charles Goodman and included Lucas Kelterider and other officials. They met CAA Director General Nadir Shafi Dar and senior aviation safety and security officials.

CAA briefs US delegation

Nadir Shafi Dar briefed the US delegation on steps being taken to restore direct flights between Pakistan and the United States. Officials said the meeting marked progress towards establishing a direct air connection between the two countries.

Air Commodore (Retired) Shahid Qadir, Director Aviation Security and Facilitation, explained Pakistan’s aviation security framework. Director Flight Standards Qaiser Yar also briefed the delegation on measures being taken to improve aviation safety.

US backs flight restoration efforts

The US Consul General praised the aviation safety and security measures taken by the Civil Aviation Authority. He also assured the CAA chief of full support for efforts to restore direct flights.

Goodman said a direct air link could further strengthen the long-standing relationship between Pakistan and the United States. He added that direct flights would also help increase cooperation between the two countries.

FAA category remains key hurdle

The US Federal Aviation Administration had conducted an audit of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority several months ago. The audit is important because Pakistan’s aviation category was downgraded after the pilot licensing scandal in July 2020.

Pakistan was moved from Category 1 to Category 2 following the controversy. Countries placed in Category 2 cannot operate flights to the United States under the relevant US aviation rules.

Pakistan is now hoping that the FAA will upgrade the country’s aviation category back to Category 1. If that happens, PIA and other Pakistani airlines could move closer to restoring direct flights to the United States.