ISLAMABAD - American aviation authorities have refused to allow direct flights to the United State from Pakistan citing ”inappropriate” security arrangements at the country’s airports, reports and officials said on Friday.| Dang. Homeland Security got one right? |
PIA recently purchased a long-haul Boeing RL-777 for direct flights to destinations such as the US and Canada. Presently, its aircraft make a stopover in Manchester, United Kingdom, for refueling and passengers are required to disembark and go through re-screening. “We have started direct flights to Toronto (Canada) but the US authorities are not giving us permission and are saying that we should continue to operate flights via Manchester,” a PIA official said, requesting anonymity.
US embassy official Peter Kowach in Islamabad confirmed the report but declined to comment. “You should talk to Pakistani authorities on this,” he said.
| "We're saying nothing, and we've said all we're going to say." |