Pakistan is gearing up to restart direct PIA flights to the United States (USA), Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed on Monday, marking a major step forward for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
The development follows the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety audit team’s recent visit to Pakistan. According to aviation experts, the audit yielded encouraging results, paving the way for PIA to potentially regain Category 1 status — a prerequisite for operating direct flights to the U.S. Pakistan’s Minister for Aviation Khwaja Asif remarked that, “Hopefully, permission will be granted soon,” adding that the government is working on meeting international standards and enhancing safety protocols, which could lead to expanded global routes.
Pakistan International Airlines spokesman highlighted the significance of U.S. routes for PIA, emphasizing the strong demand for non-stop flights from Pakistanis living in North America. According to an aviation expert, a team from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration had recently visited Pakistan to conduct a safety audit.
The audit resulted in positive outcomes from these tests could result in PIA achieving Category 1 status from the FAAA, which is crucial for resumption of direct flights to the USA.
Read more: PIA launches direct Lahore-Paris flights amid financial turnaround
Meanwhile, PIA announced on Monday that it has entered a co-chair agreement with the UAE’s Etihad Airways. The partnership is set to take effect from October 31 and will extend to cargo services and frequent flyer programs. The co-chair is expected to enhance PIA’s service offerings and contribute to increased revenue, the spokesperson noted.
Back in June 2025, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) launched a direct flight route from Lahore to Paris. The national carrier will operate one weekly flight between the two cities, expanding its existing network of two weekly flights from Islamabad to the French capital.
According to PIA management, the new Lahore-Paris route aimed at improving passenger convenience, especially for those traveling from central and northern Punjab. The move is also expected to bolster the airline’s foreign exchange earnings.
With Additional Inputs from GVS South Asia Desk