Pakistan’s national airline eyes US clearance for direct flights next month after EU and UK progress
FAA team to determine if PIA qualifies for Category I upgrade
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is preparing for a crucial review by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as it seeks to resume direct flights to the US.
According to sources cited by The Express Tribune, a five-member FAA team will visit Pakistan in mid-April to conduct an assessment of the national carrier’s operations. The outcome of this review will determine whether PIA is upgraded from Category II to Category I, a necessary requirement for regaining full access to US airspace.
Following the lifting of its European Union (EU) flight ban earlier this year and ongoing discussions for resuming operations in the United Kingdom (UK), PIA now aims to secure US approval. The airline has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and allocated $75,000 for consultancy services to assist with the category upgrade process.
PIA’s flight history
PIA previously operated six weekly flights to the US, with four flights to New York and two to Chicago. However, in July 2020, its operations to the EU, UK, and US were suspended after the then-aviation minister, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, publicly disclosed irregularities in pilot licensing, leading to international regulatory concerns.
Despite the ban, PIA was granted special permission during the Covid-19 pandemic to operate chartered flights, primarily for repatriation purposes. The upcoming FAA review is expected to be a decisive step in restoring routine flight operations between Pakistan and the US.
PIA flights to UK and EU
PIA has already made strides in reclaiming its global presence. The airline is set to resume flights to the UK after Eidul Fitr, according to Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Mohammad Faisal. Initial routes will connect Islamabad and Manchester, followed by Islamabad and Lahore to London and Birmingham in the second phase.
To ensure smooth operations in the UK, PIA has issued tenders for key services, including ground handling, catering, and crew accommodation. The airline has also emphasised its commitment to providing international-standard services for passengers on these routes.
PIA’s European comeback began in January with the resumption of direct flights to Paris after a four-and-a-half-year suspension. The first reinstated flight, PK-749, took off from Islamabad with 330 passengers aboard a Boeing 777. To mark the occasion, the aircraft featured a special livery, showcasing a miniature Eiffel Tower on its tail with the slogan “I Love Paris” on its nose. The airline has since partnered with Air France, offering passengers access to onward flights to 21 European destinations.
PIA: Expansion and privatisation
PIA is not only focused on resuming long-haul flights but is also actively expanding its domestic and regional services. The airline recently reintroduced an ATR aircraft to strengthen domestic connectivity, targeting cities such as Gilgit, Sukkur, Turbat, and Gwadar. Additionally, PIA has launched flights from the newly inaugurated Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) to Muscat, Oman, with three weekly flights. More international routes are expected as part of the airline’s broader expansion strategy.
Meanwhile, the privatisation of PIA has gained momentum, with multiple business groups, including the Arif Habib Group, Taba Group, and YB Holdings, expressing interest in acquiring the airline. High-level discussions have been held in Islamabad regarding potential acquisition terms.