The process to restore direct flights between Pakistan and the United States has entered its final phase, with a high-level delegation from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expected to visit Pakistan in January 2026.
Citing official sources, the report said the FAA team will conduct a detailed audit of several major Pakistani airports, assessing aviation safety protocols, operational standards, and regulatory compliance. The outcome of this audit will play a decisive role in determining whether Pakistan meets the requirements for the resumption of direct air services to the US.
This upcoming visit follows an earlier assessment conducted by an FAA delegation in September 2025, during which the team reportedly expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s progress in improving airport infrastructure, safety measures, and airline operations. The September review was seen as a positive step toward restoring long-suspended direct flights between the two countries.
Direct air connectivity between Pakistan and the United States has remained suspended for several years, primarily due to safety concerns and compliance issues raised by the FAA in the past.
Since then, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has undertaken significant reforms to align with international aviation safety and management standards, including staff training, updated certification procedures, and infrastructure enhancements at major airports.
Officials believe that the January audit could serve as the final step toward achieving FAA clearance, paving the way for airlines to operate nonstop routes between the two nations.
Aviation experts view the potential resumption of direct flights as a major milestone that would strengthen travel, trade, and bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United States, benefiting both business travelers and the Pakistani diaspora living across North America.
