Pakistan is making strides toward the restoration of direct flights to the United States, with the final clearance process set to begin soon.
The US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has imposed a $75,000 fee, which has now been paid, paving the way for a five-way inspection team’s arrival in March for final clearance, sources confirmed.
The FAA had previously downgraded Pakistan’s aviation rating from Category 1 (CA-1) to CA-2, restricting Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating direct flights to the US.
However, efforts to regain this status are now in their final stages. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has prepared all necessary documentation for the upcoming assessment, which will determine whether Pakistan regains its CA-1 classification. The fee paid will help restore Pakistani flights to CA-1, the sources added.
If approved, PIA will resume its direct flights to major US cities, including New York, Chicago, and Houston, for the first time in two years. Previously, the national airline operated flights to the US via Manchester, but with the expected clearance, passengers will be able to travel directly.
Upgrading Air Traffic Control Systems
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Airports Authority has initiated plans to install the latest air traffic control (ATC) systems at Karachi and Lahore international airports. The outdated systems currently in use require urgent upgrades to meet international standards, sources revealed.
The authority has prepared a PC-1 proposal for the project, which is estimated to cost between Rs5 to 6 billion in its initial phase. Approval for the modernization project will be sought from the Planning Commission in an upcoming Central Working Development Committee (CDWP) meeting.
Currently, Islamabad and New Gwadar International Airports have modern air traffic control systems, while Karachi and Lahore have yet to receive the upgrade. The airports authority is expected to issue an international tender to procure the new system once formal approvals are in place.
