PIA Secures UK Cargo Flight Approval
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has secured the Air Cargo Carrier Three (ACC3) certificate from the UK Department for Transport. The certificate, valid for five years until 2030, allows PIA to operate cargo flights from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad to the United Kingdom.
Strengthening trade connectivity between Pakistan and UK
With this certification, PIA will boost trade connectivity by launching dedicated cargo flights. Operations will begin in October, starting with Manchester, and later expand to Birmingham and London.
The approval followed an on-site inspection jointly conducted by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and a British audit team. Officials stated that this certification will open new opportunities for Pakistani exporters and strengthen bilateral trade relations.
Passenger flights face setbacks: PIA Secures UK Cargo Flight Approval
However, despite the cargo certification, PIA failed to secure the Third Country Operator (TCO) licence required for direct passenger flights to the UK. In contrast, private airline Airblue successfully obtained this licence.
Airblue’s Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft will operate flights to the UK with a refuelling stop in Türkiye. Meanwhile, PIA continues to face a shortage of aircraft, which has limited its ability to resume direct passenger services.
Background of the UK ban
In July 2025, the UK lifted a years-long ban on PIA after significant improvements in Pakistan’s civil aviation security. The ban was first imposed in 2020 following a tragic PIA plane crash in Karachi. The incident prompted investigations that revealed one-third of Pakistani pilots held dubious licences, sparking international concerns.
Looking ahead
The ACC3 certificate marks a positive step for PIA as it rebuilds its credibility and presence in the international aviation market. While direct passenger services remain suspended, the launch of cargo flights is expected to support exporters, strengthen trade routes, and pave the way for renewed trust in Pakistan’s aviation industry.
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