After a hiatus of five years, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed direct flight operations to the United Kingdom, marking a major milestone in the airline’s comeback efforts. The first direct flight departed from Islamabad to London this week, symbolizing a fresh chapter for Pakistan’s national flag carrier.
PIA’s flights to the UK were suspended in 2020 following a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ban over licensing concerns. After extensive safety audits, reforms, and collaboration with international regulators, the ban has now been lifted, allowing PIA to re-enter one of its most profitable routes.
According to PIA officials, the airline will initially operate direct flights from Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi to London, Manchester, and Birmingham, with plans to increase frequency based on demand.
A spokesperson for the airline said the resumption will not only boost PIA’s global image but also provide convenience for thousands of overseas Pakistanis who had been relying on connecting flights for years.
