Asian – Dispatch

KARACHI — The long-discussed prospect of direct flights between Pakistan and US appears to be gaining fresh momentum, with senior aviation officials from both sides holding talks in Karachi on the requirements and progress needed to make the connection a reality.

US Consul General in Karachi Charles Goodman, accompanied by Lucas Kaltreider, Fahad Zaidi and Tashfeen, visited the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) headquarters and met with CAA Director General Nadir Shafi Dar and senior officials overseeing aviation safety, security and facilitation.

The meeting focused on one of the most persistent goals in Pakistan-US aviation relations: establishing direct air connectivity between the two countries. During the meeting, Dar briefed the US delegation on the progress made so far towards achieving the objective.

Air Commodore (Retired) Shahid Qadir, Director of Aviation Security and Facilitation, gave the delegation an overview of Pakistan’s aviation security framework. He highlighted its alignment with international standards as well as requirements associated with the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Director Flight Standards Qaiser Yar separately briefed the delegation on aviation safety measures and their compatibility with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.

The discussions are crucial as safety and security compliance are key requirements for establishing and maintaining direct air services to the United States. Goodman welcomed the PCAA’s efforts to maintain international aviation safety and security standards and assured Pakistani officials of the US mission’s full support for the initiative.

He also stressed the wider importance of direct air connectivity, saying it could further strengthen the long-standing relationship between Pakistan and the United States and encourage greater cooperation between the two countries. Other senior officials present included Riaz Chishti, Director PEL, along with other PCAA officials.

Both sides agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation in the civil aviation sector. The US Consulate also reiterated its support for Pakistan’s efforts to reach the long-awaited milestone of direct flights between Pakistan and the United States.

For passengers, families and businesses with ties between the two countries, a direct route could make travel considerably easier by removing the need for connecting flights through third countries.

There is no confirmed launch date or announcement of a new direct service yet. The latest meeting instead points to continued engagement and work on the safety, security and regulatory requirements that would need to be met before such flights can begin.

The meeting concluded with Dar presenting Goodman with a commemorative shield from the civil aviation authorities.

After years of discussion, the idea of direct Pakistan-US flights is once again receiving high-level attention. Whether that momentum ultimately leads to aircraft flying directly between the two countries will depend on the remaining regulatory and operational steps.

Source: Pakistan Observer