After a suspension lasting more than five years, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is all set to resume direct flights to the United Kingdom starting Saturday. The relaunch will begin with a flight from Islamabad to Manchester, marking a major milestone for the national flag carrier and the country’s aviation industry.
According to PIA officials, the airline will initially operate two weekly flights — on Tuesdays and Saturdays — connecting Islamabad with Manchester. Preparations at Islamabad International Airport have been completed, including the installation of a special Manchester-themed display at the terminal to celebrate the airline’s return to UK skies.
A formal inauguration ceremony will also take place at the airport to mark the event, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif expected to attend as the chief guest. The flight resumption comes as a sign of renewed confidence in PIA’s operations and Pakistan’s regulatory aviation framework.
Ban Lifted After Five-Year Hiatus Stemming from Pilot Licence Controversy
PIA’s operations to the United Kingdom were suspended on July 1, 2020, after the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) imposed a ban following revelations in Pakistan’s National Assembly about irregularities in pilot licences. The disclosure, made by then Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan, led to the grounding of dozens of pilots and the suspension of international operations in several countries.
The latest development marks a significant recovery for Pakistan’s aviation sector, which has spent years working to meet international safety and licensing standards. Aviation officials said that the resumption of flights to the UK represents a symbolic and operational comeback for the national airline, helping restore its global credibility and improving travel convenience for thousands of Pakistani passengers who regularly fly to and from Britain.
Industry experts believe that PIA’s return to the UK route could open the door for the revival of other suspended destinations, boosting Pakistan’s connectivity with Europe. The move also aligns with the government’s broader goal of revamping the national carrier and ensuring compliance with global aviation regulations.
