PIA to Resume Direct Flights to the UK After Five Year Ban

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially announced it will resume direct flight operations to the United Kingdom, ending a nearly five year suspension that had severely impacted travel for the vast British Pakistani community. The first commercial flight is scheduled for October 25, marking a critical milestone in the national carrier’s efforts to re-establish its international presence.

The resumption follows the successful clearing of all regulatory hurdles. Just a day before the announcement, the UK Civil Aviation Authority issued the crucial Foreign Aircraft Operating Permit (FOP), which, combined with the already secured Third Country Operator (TCO) approval, gave PIA the final green light for commercial service. The United Kingdom had lifted its general ban on Pakistani carriers in July, an action taken after a thorough review confirmed significant improvements in Pakistan's aviation safety standards, which had been under international scrutiny since a 2020 plane crash and subsequent pilot license scandal.

The initial phase of the relaunch will focus on a key hub for the diaspora, with PIA offering two weekly, non stop flights between Islamabad and Manchester. The inaugural flight will depart from Islamabad at 12:00 PM and arrive in Manchester at 5:00 PM local time, with the return flight scheduled for 7:00 PM. This direct route is expected to cut the standard travel time from approximately 15 hours, which included lengthy layovers via Middle Eastern and European hubs, down to just eight hours. Airline spokespersons confirmed that tickets are now open for booking with "very reasonable fares."

This return to British skies is highly significant for the estimated 1.7 million people of Pakistani origin in the UK, offering them a more convenient and affordable travel option. The direct link is also anticipated to provide a major boost to trade and tourism between the two nations, restoring a valuable connection that had previously seen PIA operate 21 weekly flights to Britain. Following the stabilization of the Manchester route, PIA has ambitious plans for a second phase of expansion, which will include adding services to Birmingham and London, further cementing the carrier’s comeback in one of its most lucrative markets. PIA’s management expressed sincere gratitude to government authorities and its dedicated team, whose persistent efforts over the last five years have made this hard won return possible.

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