PIA Eyes Direct US Flights as FAA Audit Moves Toward Category 1

(PAKISTAN) Pakistan International Airlines is moving into the final stretch of a long campaign to return to the United States 🇺🇸 market, with a high‑stakes Federal Aviation Administration review set to begin on September 6, 2025 in Pakistan. The scheduled FAA audit—the first such on‑site visit in years—will examine national aviation oversight, pilot licensing, and airline operations.

If Pakistan’s safety rating is restored to FAA Category 1, PIA plans to restart direct flights to New York (JFK) and Chicago (ORD) within weeks, ending a seven‑year gap since the airline last flew nonstop to the U.S. The timing matters for hundreds of thousands of Pakistani Americans who have faced longer journeys, extra layovers, and higher costs since direct services stopped.

PIA’s executives say demand from the diaspora is strong, and schedules are prepared to launch quickly after a positive outcome. The initial plan would mirror pre‑2017 operations: four weekly flights to New York and two to Chicago, using Boeing 777 aircraft, with ticket sales to open as soon as Category 1 is confirmed.

Regulatory background and the path to the audit

At the regulatory level, the path is clearly defined. Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. regulator earlier this year and finalized required fees, clearing the way for the September 6 team arrival.

The Category 1 decision is the critical step because FAA Category 2 status—assigned to Pakistan in July 2020—blocks any Pakistani carrier from starting or expanding direct U.S. service, including codeshares. The upcoming audit will determine whether reforms led by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), now under Director General Nadir Shafi Dar, meet international standards.

The FAA does not audit individual airlines alone; it assesses a country’s civil aviation authority. The CAA’s systems, staffing, and enforcement are under the microscope.

What the FAA audit assesses

• The FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) framework measures whether a country’s civil aviation authority can properly oversee airlines under its jurisdiction.
• A Category 1 rating confirms that national oversight meets ICAO benchmarks.
• A Category 2 rating signals gaps that prevent airlines from that country from launching or increasing service to the U.S.

Recent history and indicators of progress

Pakistan’s 2020 downgrade followed turbulence in the sector, including a fatal crash and a pilot licensing scandal. After that, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the UK barred PIA in 2020.

A key turning point came in November 2024, when EASA lifted its ban and PIA resumed flights to Paris and other European cities. Aviation analysts view European progress as a helpful sign, but caution that the FAA’s bar is exacting: the audit will probe documentation, processes, and sustained compliance—not just recent improvements.

Officials in Islamabad frame the moment as part of a broader effort to rebuild Pakistan’s aviation reputation. The government says the CAA has:

• Upgraded oversight systems
• Standardized pilot licensing checks
• Reworked safety management protocols to align with global norms

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, speaking in New York in July 2025, said restoring direct links to the U.S. is a priority for overseas Pakistanis and trade ties. According to statements cited by VisaVerge.com, political and technical tracks are moving together to meet FAA requirements and revive long‑range connectivity.

Commercial plans and PIA readiness

For PIA management, the audit is the final hurdle before a commercial relaunch. Executives, including Chief Commercial Officer Nausherwan Adil, say aircraft, crews, and ground support plans are in place.

• Planned initial frequencies: 4 weekly flights to New York (JFK) and 2 weekly flights to Chicago (ORD)
• Aircraft type: Boeing 777
• Ticket sales: expected to open as soon as Category 1 is confirmed

The airline expects the U.S. routes to boost revenue and brand standing, which could support Pakistan’s plans to privatize PIA by the end of 2025. Interest from Gulf investors has been reported, and restored transatlantic operations would likely improve valuation prospects.

Impact on travelers and diaspora communities

For travelers, the practical effects of PIA’s return would be immediate:

• Shorter travel times by removing a European/Middle Eastern connection
• Potentially lower overall travel costs with increased nonstop capacity
• Easier travel for elderly passengers, families with children, and those needing short‑notice trips

Travel agents serving Pakistani American communities in New York and Chicago expect healthy demand, especially around school holidays and Eid. If early flights fill quickly, the airline could add frequencies or explore other U.S. gateways.

Broader market effects

• Increased competition: PIA nonstop service would compete with one‑stop options from Middle East and European carriers, likely putting downward pressure on fares.
• Beneficiaries: students, medical travelers, small business owners, and time‑sensitive freight shippers.
• Network growth: success could encourage expansion into other U.S. destinations and strengthen PIA’s global positioning.

Domestic implications and CAA reforms

Inside Pakistan, a Category 1 result would signal that CAA reforms are holding. Regulators say they have:

• Aligned pilot licensing controls with international best practice
• Tightened airline oversight
• Coordinated with PIA on safety management systems and training

A move back to Category 1 would reinforce confidence among international partners and may encourage foreign airlines to plan growth into Pakistan’s major airports.

The timeline and next steps

The steps ahead are sequential and time‑sensitive:

1. September 6, 2025 — FAA team arrives in Pakistan for a multi‑day review.
2. FAA completes assessment and decides on Category 1 upgrade or continuation of Category 2.
3. If upgraded, FAA formally changes Pakistan’s status.
4. PIA confirms final schedules, opens bookings, and begins marketing direct routes.
5. Operational launch follows within weeks, with ongoing FAA and CAA oversight.

Operational launch will depend on sustained compliance and readiness across crews, aircraft, and ground operations. PIA has indicated that further U.S. destinations might be explored later, depending on demand and aircraft availability.

What travelers should watch

Travelers should track two key milestones:

• The start of the FAA audit on September 6
• The official notice of a Category 1 upgrade

If the upgrade is granted, PIA is expected to move quickly on ticket sales. Early buyers should consider:

• Having flexible travel dates
• Keeping passports and U.S. visas current
• Targeting school breaks and festivals (which are likely to sell out fast)

Economic and policy considerations

• A stable nonstop corridor supports exporters of time‑sensitive goods and business travel in sectors like technology, textiles, and healthcare.
• Universities benefit from simpler travel for international students.
• Policywise, the audit underscores that national regulators determine airline access to foreign markets; the FAA’s assessment focuses on systems, manuals, records, training, and enforcement.

For authoritative regulatory context and updates, see the Federal Aviation Administration: https://www.faa.gov

PIA and the CAA will also issue statements as the process unfolds, including timelines for bookings and first flights if the outcome is positive.

The FAA audit is the last major gate between Pakistan International Airlines and its planned 2025 return to the United States. A successful result would restore a direct link many families have waited years to see and mark a wider return of confidence in Pakistan’s aviation oversight.

The coming weeks will show whether years of reforms translate into the green light PIA needs to push back from the gate for New York and Chicago once again.