No imminent plans for direct flights to Pakistan, says US Embassy

US TSA to visit Islamabad airport to review international security standards

ISLAMABAD:

The US Embassy has said there are no imminent plans for direct flights between the United States and Pakistan.

The diplomatic mission said in a statement on Tuesday that officials from the US Transport Security Administration will visit the New Islamabad International Airport next week to review Pakistan’s aviation security infrastructure.

The trip is part of the US mission’s “ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties and air connectivity between the United States and Pakistan.”

However, “there are no imminent plans for direct flights between Pakistan and the United States”, it said. “The United States remains committed to partnering with Pakistan for a prosperous future.”

According to the statement, the TSA personnel will meet with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Pakistan International Airline (PIA) and the Aviation Division officials to identify international security standards.

“[The] TSA has been invited by PIA to conduct a formal assessment of security standards at Islamabad International Airport,” reads the statement.

TSA Attaché Daniel McQuaid said “secure international air travel is essential to facilitate trade and connections and fostering stronger bonds between the United States and Pakistan”.

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority as we explore additional areas of cooperation and the possibility of capacity development,” he added.

It may be mentioned here that the national carrier discontinued direct flights to the United States in October 2017 due to rising operational costs and in a bid to cut losses.