LONDON: The Pakistan High Commission in London has announced that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to resume its flight operations to the United Kingdom this month, marking a major milestone after years of suspension.
The announcement follows the issuance of a Foreign Aircraft Operator Permit by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, enabling PIA to legally operate within British airspace once again. The airline’s UK operations had been suspended since 2020 due to safety and licensing concerns, but the new permit signals a renewed confidence in PIA’s compliance with international aviation standards.
According to the High Commission, the first phase of the resumed service will see direct flights operating between Pakistan and Manchester. Subsequent phases will include the launch of flights to London and Birmingham. This phased restoration is designed to ensure operational stability and service quality as PIA ramps up its international network.
The resumption of direct flights is expected to bring significant relief to the over 1.7 million British-Pakistanis who have long awaited the return of uninterrupted air connectivity between the two countries. It is also anticipated to reduce travel time and costs for families, students, and business travelers who were previously reliant on connecting flights through third countries.
Beyond individual convenience, the move is seen as a catalyst for strengthening bilateral ties. Officials believe that renewed air links will enhance trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and the UK – two nations with deep historical and cultural ties. The High Commission called the development a “welcome step” that reflects progress in Pakistan’s aviation sector and international partnerships.
