After go-ahead for Europe, Pakistan eyes flights resumption to US

After the lifting of the ban by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), both national and private airlines in Pakistan have started preparations to resume flights to the UK and the USA.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, private airline Airblue has decided to begin flight operations from Pakistan to the UK. The airline has started preparations to launch flights from Lahore and Islamabad to the UK.

A British aviation delegation will visit Lahore in the first week of January to assess passenger facilities and security arrangements at Lahore Airport.

Meanwhile, progress is being made in talks with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to restart flight operations.

Pakistan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the FAA, and financial responsibilities are being finalised.

Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Nadir Shafiq, mentioned that payments to the FAA will soon be made, and the FAA delegation is expected to visit Pakistan by February or March.

Flights between Pakistan and the USA were suspended in 2017, with six weekly flights previously operated—four to New York and two to Chicago.

With Pakistan's FAA rating improving from Category 2 to Category 1, there is hope that the country will return to Category 1 status, allowing the resumption of flights to the US.

Reporter: Saeed Ahmad