WASHINGTON- A team from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan (ISB) on September 6 to conduct an audit that could determine whether direct flights between Pakistan and the United States resume.
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said it has completed preparations for the inspection, which will review flight standards, pilot licensing, and overall state safety oversight. This visit marks the first FAA presence in Pakistan in several years and is seen as a critical step toward restoring nonstop operations by Pakistan International Airlines (PK) to U.S. airports.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrPakistan Airlines Eyes US Flights
The FAA team’s audit will cover multiple areas, including regulatory compliance, licensing exams, and aviation safety practices.
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has been coordinating across its departments to ensure readiness, emphasizing transparent systems and upgraded oversight procedures.
Officials explained that the inspection is not only about technical compliance but also about demonstrating Pakistan’s ability to maintain international safety benchmarks on a consistent basis.
The FAA will review whether recent reforms have strengthened institutional capacity and improved pilot evaluation standards, areas that drew scrutiny in past assessments.
Photo: By Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia – Pakistan International Airlines, AP-BGJ, Boeing 777-240 ER, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72241859Why the FAA Audit Matters
Direct flights between Pakistan and the United States were suspended after concerns emerged about licensing irregularities and safety oversight. Since then, Pakistani authorities have been working to rebuild confidence with international regulators, particularly in the U.S. and Europe.
If the FAA audit concludes positively, it would open the possibility for Pakistan International Airlines (PK) to operate direct routes once again to major U.S. hubs such as New York (JFK), Washington D.C. (IAD), and Chicago (ORD).
Such a development would significantly benefit passengers by reducing travel times and eliminating the need for transit through third countries.
Steps Taken by the CAA Pakistan
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has undertaken several corrective measures since earlier assessments. These include:
- Introducing stricter pilot licensing protocols to eliminate irregularities.
- Strengthening flight safety monitoring systems.
- Aligning procedures with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.
- Enhancing transparency in flight crew testing and certification.
These initiatives aim to restore credibility and bring Pakistan back in line with globally recognized aviation safety norms.
Implications for Travelers and Airlines
For passengers, direct connectivity would translate into shorter travel times and more affordable ticket options.
For airlines, particularly Pakistan International Airlines (PK), it could mean regaining access to a lucrative transatlantic market and re-establishing trust with regulators and travelers alike.
While the FAA audit alone will not immediately restart flights, it represents the most decisive step in years toward restoring confidence in Pakistan’s aviation sector. The outcome will shape how quickly nonstop services might return.
Photo: PIA 77-200LR | Pakistan International Airlines Boeing 777-20… | FlickrPrivatisation By November 2025
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) (PK), the national flag carrier, is set to be privatised by November this year as the government accelerates its long-delayed restructuring plan.
The Senate Standing Committee on Privatisation confirmed that four qualified bidders remain in contention for acquiring Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL), which operates from its main hub at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi (KHI).
Four Bidders Move Forward
The Privatisation Commission secretary reported that four groups have been shortlisted, while two applicants were disqualified for failing to meet eligibility requirements. These remaining bidders are now required to form consortia with established airlines to ensure the future operational stability of PIA (PK).
Lawmakers highlighted the airline’s heavy financial burden, with debt standing at $2.31 billion. Senator Zeeshan Khanzada raised concerns about how this liability might impact investor interest.
Senator Dr Afnan Ullah Khan proposed selling PIA’s two overseas hotels to ease pressure, while debate continued whether profitable state-owned firms should be sold first.
Investor Interest and Strategy
According to Dawn News, the Privatisation Commission secretary noted that while investors often prefer profitable enterprises, these assets may not remain sustainable in the long term.
The government stressed that offering PIA for sale at this stage is crucial for its survival, given mounting losses and the need for professional management.
The government plans to conduct the bidding process in the final quarter of 2025, between October and December. Between 51% and 100% of shares, along with management control, will be offered to the winning consortium. This represents the second attempt to privatise PIA after a failed effort last year.
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