ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) resumed direct flights to the United Kingdom on Saturday, marking the restoration of services that had remained on hold for the past five years.
The development follows the UK’s decision in July to allow the national carrier to operate once again, after assessing that Pakistan’s aviation safety standards meet international requirements. Earlier this month, the UK Civil Aviation Authority issued a Foreign Aircraft Operating Permit to PIA, completing the final procedural step.
Speaking at the ceremony held at Islamabad International Airport, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said the restoration of flights reflected the commitment and coordinated efforts of Pakistani aviation authorities.
“After a long and difficult delay of five years, today the resumption of flights from Islamabad to Manchester is a feat we have achieved through our hard work and determination,” he said. Asif noted that significant improvements had been made in pilot training, licensing processes and aircraft safety compliance during this period.
PIA has started with a twice-weekly service between Islamabad and Manchester, with plans to expand operations to London and Birmingham in the coming months. A PIA spokesperson confirmed that the first flight, carrying 284 passengers, departed for Manchester on Saturday afternoon.
The airline had also resumed flights to Paris earlier this year after receiving clearance from European aviation authorities in late 2024.
The government continues efforts to strengthen the national carrier and has reiterated its commitment to restructuring and reforming the organization.
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