Direct flights between ‘Pakistan, United States not on the cards’
Looking forward to deepening our relationship with Pakistan's CAA, says TSA official
TSA officials visited Islamabad’s new airport, viewed aviation security infrastructure. PHOTO: FILE
There are no imminent plans for direct flights between Pakistan and the United States, said the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on Tuesday.
The statement comes following media reports claiming flights operation between the two countries are likely to be restored as the US government agency overseeing airport and air carrier security visited Pakistan this week.
The national flag carrier closed its operation to the US in 2017 citing heavy losses on the route.
The TSA visited Islamabad’s new airport and inspected the country's aviation security infrastructure and also met civil aviation officials, according to a statement issued by the US embassy.
During the visit, representatives of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and the Ministry of Aviation highlighted the airport’s security features.
US to facilitate direct PIA flights to NYC, Chicago, Houston
"This visit was not a formal inspection, audit or assessment of any specific airport and there are no imminent plans for direct flights between Pakistan and the United States," read the official communique.
Speaking of his interactions in Pakistan, TSA Regional Director Jason Schwabel said that secure international air travel is essential to facilitate trade and connections.
"We look forward to deepening our relationship with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority as we explore additional areas of cooperation,” he added.
According to officials, the trip was organised as part of the US Mission’s ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties between Washington and Islamabad and enhance regional connectivity.
The statement comes following media reports claiming flights operation between the two countries are likely to be restored as the US government agency overseeing airport and air carrier security visited Pakistan this week.
The national flag carrier closed its operation to the US in 2017 citing heavy losses on the route.
The TSA visited Islamabad’s new airport and inspected the country's aviation security infrastructure and also met civil aviation officials, according to a statement issued by the US embassy.
During the visit, representatives of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and the Ministry of Aviation highlighted the airport’s security features.
US to facilitate direct PIA flights to NYC, Chicago, Houston
"This visit was not a formal inspection, audit or assessment of any specific airport and there are no imminent plans for direct flights between Pakistan and the United States," read the official communique.
Speaking of his interactions in Pakistan, TSA Regional Director Jason Schwabel said that secure international air travel is essential to facilitate trade and connections.
"We look forward to deepening our relationship with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority as we explore additional areas of cooperation,” he added.
According to officials, the trip was organised as part of the US Mission’s ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties between Washington and Islamabad and enhance regional connectivity.