ISLAMABAD – US Embassy in Islamabad breaks silence over media reports ofresumption of direct flights with Pakistan.
The United States Embassy in Islamabad on Tuesday said there were “noimminent plans” for starting direct flights between Pakistan and the US.
According to a press release from the embassy, officials from theTransportation Security Administration (TSA) — the US government agencythat oversees airport and air carrier security — will visit Islamabadairport, view Pakistan’s aviation security infrastructure, and meet withtheir Pakistani civil aviation counterparts this week.
However, the statement goes on to add “there are no imminent plans fordirect flights between Pakistan and the United States.”
According to the press release, TSA officials were in Pakistan as part ofthe US Mission to Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen economic tiesand air connectivity between the United States and Pakistan.
TSA Attaché Daniel McQuaid was quoted in the press release as saying:
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“Secure international air travel is essential to facilitate trade andconnections and fostering stronger bonds between the United States andPakistan.
“We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Pakistan CivilAviation Authority as we explore additional areas of cooperation and thepossibility of capacity development.”
Reports in local media had earlier suggestedlinkthatthe TSA team’s visit was linked to the commencement of direct flightsbetween the US and Pakistan.
