US Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie A. Baker has expressed optimism that direct commercial flights between Pakistan and the United States will resume soon, saying restored air connectivity would strengthen tourism, education, business and people-to-people exchanges.
Speaking on the Pakistan Observer podcast, Baker said she strongly hoped direct flights between Pakistan and the US would restart in the near future.
She said renewed air links would significantly boost the exchange of students, researchers, tourists and professionals, further strengthening bilateral ties.
Flights suspended since 2020
Direct flights between Pakistan and the United States have remained suspended since 2020 following the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Airbus A320 crash in Karachi that claimed nearly 100 lives.
Subsequent investigations cited human error by pilots and air traffic control, while concerns over the validity of some PIA pilots' licences prompted aviation restrictions.
Although the UK and European Union lifted their restrictions on PIA operations last year, the US ban remains in place.
Pakistan pushing for resumption
Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic efforts to restore direct air services.
In May, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi discussed the issue with US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapoor in Islamabad, reiterating Pakistan's desire to see direct flights resume as soon as possible.
Potential benefits
Aviation experts believe restoring direct flights would make travel easier for businesspeople, students, researchers and the Pakistani diaspora while enhancing confidence in Pakistan's aviation sector and improving international connectivity.
