FAA starts review of Pakistan’s aviation safety standards
The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has
officially launched a formal review of Pakistan’s aviation standards, a
significant milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to resume direct flights to the US
after a five-year suspension.
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) confirmed the
development, noting that the review could pave the way for restoring flight
operations to the US, which were halted in 2020 following a fatal Pakistan
International Airlines (PIA) crash in Karachi.
The crash, involving a PIA Airbus A320, killed nearly 100
people and triggered an international backlash after investigators cited pilot
error and air traffic control failures. The incident also led to a damning
revelation: nearly one-third of PIA pilots were found to have held fake or
dubious licenses. This prompted bans from the US, UK, and European Union.
Read More FAA
delegation’s upcoming visit to help restore Pakistani flights to the US
While PIA successfully resumed operations to Europe and the
UK earlier this year, direct flights to the United States remain suspended.
FAA delegation begins on-site assessment in Karachi
On Monday, a five-member FAA team—accompanied by two
officials from the US Embassy—began formal discussions with the PCAA in
Karachi. According to PCAA spokesperson Shahid Qadir, the ongoing assessment
will result in a comprehensive safety report that could determine whether
Pakistan meets the necessary standards to restore US-bound flights.
PCAA Director General Nadir Shafi Dar chaired the opening
session, briefing the FAA delegation on the authority’s structure, regulatory
framework, and operations. Over the coming days, the team will inspect
Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure, legal systems, and adherence to
international safety protocols.
“The assessment includes extensive briefings, documentation
verification, and system inspections,” said Qadir. “The FAA will compile its
findings into a formal report to be submitted to US authorities.”
He emphasized that while no system is perfect, the PCAA welcomes
the review as a constructive opportunity to identify and address any
shortcomings.
Read More US
team to audit Islamabad for resumption of direct flights between the two
countries
Security audit to follow
In addition to the current safety assessment, a separate FAA
security delegation is expected to visit Pakistan later this year. That team
will evaluate airport security, cargo operations, ground handling, and airspace
management.
“Only after both safety and security reviews are completed—and all recommendations implemented—can Pakistan formally apply to resume direct US flights,” Qadir explained.
Potential impact
A successful outcome would mark a major step forward for
Pakistan’s aviation sector and its global standing. It would also benefit over 700,000
Pakistani expatriates living in the US, as well as business and leisure
travelers, by restoring direct air connectivity and reducing travel times.
Source: Minute Mirror