FAA concludes assessment of CAA for Pak-US direct flights

KARACHI: A team from the United States (US) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concluded its week-long assessment and negotiations with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).

The five-member delegation, accompanied by officials from the U.S. Embassy, held extensive discussions with the PCAA to evaluate Pakistan’s legal, regulatory, and operational framework governing civil aviation.

The deliberations centered on aviation safety standards, regulatory compliance, and oversight mechanisms.

The closing session was marked by a constructive exchange of views, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to enhancing cooperation in aviation safety and regulatory practices.

The delegation is scheduled to return to the United States today, where it will review its findings before formally briefing the PCAA on the outcomes of its visit.

During the visit, the national carrier’s Chief Executive Officer also called on the FAA team leader at PCAA headquarters.

Read more: US FAA team to visit Pakistan for direct flight audit

In his concluding remarks, the FAA team leader expressed gratitude to PCAA Director General Nadir Shafi Dar for the warm hospitality and for facilitating a comprehensive review of Pakistan’s aviation systems.

While the final outcome of the FAA’s review remains pending, Pakistan is cautiously optimistic.

The PCAA leadership, under DG Nadir Shafi Dar, previously succeeded in restoring direct routes to the European Union and the United Kingdom after the separation of CAA and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

Authorities hope this positive track record may pave the way for the resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and the United States in the near future.