The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to release its safety audit report on Pakistan’s aviation sector this month.
The report, which follows an inspection in September 2025, could play a key role in resuming flights by Pakistani airlines to the US.
The first FAA team visited Pakistan in September 2025, reviewing airport infrastructure, flight safety standards, and the operations of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The audit also examined Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) examinations for pilot licenses and other certifications.
According to sources, a second FAA team will arrive in Pakistan in January 2026, after the release of the first audit report. This team will focus on security issues at airports, airlines, and the CAA. Its findings are expected to be released 2 to 3 months after the visit.
Pakistan reportedly paid $70,000 for the services of the consultant team that visited in September. The US had previously banned Pakistani airlines from flying to the country following a 2020 investigation linked to a suspected pilot licensing scandal.
Resumption of flights dependent on audit
Authorities have confirmed that a decision on the resumption of Pakistani flights to the US will be taken only after the security audit report is released and evaluated. The audits are seen as critical to restoring international confidence in Pakistan’s aviation standards.
