The United States' envoy to Pakistan has voiced support for the restoration of direct flights between the two countries, expressing hope that the move would boost tourism, strengthen sports diplomacy, and increase professional exchanges. US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker made the remarks during a podcast with local media outlet Pakistan Observer on Monday.
Baker's Call for Direct Flights
“I really hope in the future we’ll reopen the direct flights between Pakistan and the United States,” Baker said. “That will promote even greater tourism, greater sports diplomacy and exchanges, more support for students and researchers, and other experts traveling from each country.” Her comments come at a time of renewed momentum in relations between Pakistan and the US, following Islamabad’s diplomatic push that led to an interim peace deal between Washington and Tehran to end their war that began in late February.
Background on Flight Suspension
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which was privatized in December, was the primary carrier that operated direct flights between the US and Pakistan. However, the US, along with the United Kingdom and the European Union, banned the airline after a deadly PIA Airbus A-320 crash in Karachi in May 2020. The disaster, which killed nearly 100 people, was attributed to human error by the pilots and air traffic control and was followed by allegations that nearly a third of PIA pilot licenses were fake or dubious. While the airline last year resumed flights to Europe and the UK after the ban was lifted, it remains barred from flying to the US.
Pakistan's Renewed Efforts
Pakistan has renewed efforts to restore direct flights to the US following years of suspension. In May, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi discussed the issue with US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapoor at a meeting in Islamabad, according to Naqvi’s ministry. “We want an early start of direct flights between Pakistan and the US,” Naqvi was quoted as saying at the time. The resumption of direct flights to the US is likely to improve the credibility of the South Asian country as well as its airlines.
Impact on Bilateral Ties
The restoration of direct flights is seen as a key step in enhancing people-to-people contacts and economic ties between the two nations. Baker’s endorsement underscores the US commitment to deepening engagement with Pakistan, particularly in areas of tourism, education, and cultural exchange. The move would also facilitate travel for the large Pakistani diaspora in the United States and support business and academic collaborations.
