Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed its flight operations to the United Kingdom after a gap of five years and three months, according to ARY News.
The first flight took off for Manchester on Saturday, marking the national carrier’s long-awaited return to British skies. Initially, PIA will operate two weekly flights — on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Preparations for the relaunch were completed at Islamabad Airport, where a large portrait of a Manchester landmark was installed to commemorate the occasion. A special ceremony was held before the flight’s departure, attended by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
PIA’s flight ban to the UK was first imposed in July 2020 after the then-aviation minister, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, raised concerns about the credentials of several airline pilots.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott hailed the airline’s return as a “historic moment,” emphasizing that the resumption of direct air connectivity will strengthen Pakistan–UK relations and promote greater travel, trade, and tourism opportunities.
UK authorities also lauded PIA’s management for their efforts, noting that the service’s restoration will bring convenience and relief to the large Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom.
Ahead of the launch, PIA’s CEO personally inspected the preparations for the UK route, including a detailed technical review of a Boeing 777 aircraft at Karachi’s Asfahani Hangar. He instructed teams to ensure the aircraft met international standards and was fully equipped for long-haul operations.
The United Kingdom remains Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, with annual bilateral trade valued at £4.7 billion. The revival of direct flights is expected to further boost business exchanges, family visits, and tourism between the two countries.
