The United States of America has shown readiness for direct flights of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). This is a major achievement for Pakistan.
Head of Prime Minister’s Strategic Reforms Unit Salman Sufi made the announcement during a press conference in Washington, the US capital. He also revealed that the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will visit Pakistan to inspect the PIA aircraft that would be used for US flights. Furthermore, the US will appoint a trade representative at the Karachi port.
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“As part of PM Shehbaz’s reforms, direct flight access to the US market is pivotal for trade, Pakistan’s businesses, and passengers. In a meeting held with senior US officials, US was pleased to share the readiness to resume the process to allow Pakistan direct flight access,” Salman Sufi said on Twitter.
As part of PM @CMShehbaz reforms, Direct flight access to the U.S market is pivotal for trade,Pakistan’s businesses & passengers.
In a meeting held with senior US officials, U.S was pleased to share the readiness to resume the process to allow Pakistan direct flight access pic.twitter.com/4vz4PE8h2b
— Salman Sufi (@SalmanSufi7) July 28, 2022
Important to note that PIA, has not been operating direct flights from Pakistan to the USA. Initially, there were some technical issues e.g. Pakistan did not have airplanes for such long routes. Later, a complete ban was imposed on PIA due to security issues after the 9/11 saga. However, PIA officials have been trying to obtain clearance from the US, and negotiations have been underway.
In 2020, PIA was allowed to operate twelve round-trip or one-way passenger or cargo flights to the US with permission expiring in 2021, but in 2020 and 2021, Covid forced countries to close their borders.
Revival of PIA?
On the other hand, PIA – which is notorious for technical and security issues – is trying to make a comeback. The national airline has announced launching direct flights.
In February, PIA announced its plan to run two weekly flights to Australia. Direct flight to Australia would reduce the traveling time by one-third between Australia and Pakistan. PIA had planned to run two weekly flights from Karachi and Lahore to Sydney, with Islamabad being added later. It even received approval from the Australian Aviation Authority. However, the first direct flight to Australia from Pakistan scheduled for April this year was postponed as the Australian home ministry said they wanted to take review the security situation at Lahore and Karachi airports.
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Similarly, PIA is also waiting for approval from the European Union to lift restrictions on flights from Pakistan. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency imposed a ban on PIA in July 2020 due to licensing and flight safety concerns.