Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially announced the resumption of its flight operations to the United Kingdom, beginning October 25.
The move is being welcomed by overseas Pakistanis who have long awaited the national carrier’s return to the British market.
Two weekly flights to Manchester in first phase
According to a statement by the PIA spokesperson, the airline will initially operate two weekly flights from Islamabad to Manchester, scheduled for Saturdays and Tuesdays.
The flight from Islamabad will depart at 12 noon and arrive in Manchester at 5pm local time. On the return leg, the Manchester flight will depart at 7pm and land in Islamabad at 7am.
Gradual expansion of services planned
PIA officials confirmed that the number of weekly flights to Manchester will gradually be increased to meet rising demand. In the second phase, the airline plans to expand its UK operations further by introducing direct flights to London.
Welcome step for overseas Pakistanis
The airline management described the announcement as a “welcome development” for Pakistanis living in Britain, who have been relying on foreign carriers since PIA’s services to the UK were suspended.
Also Read: Latest: PIA to resume direct UK flights from Oct
Last month, PIA) achieved a major breakthrough after being granted approval by the UK Department of Transport as a third country operator, paving the way for the resumption of direct flights to Britain from next month.
Passenger and cargo services
PIA will not only provide passenger flights but also cargo transport services, boosting commercial activity between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
The UK Department of Transport has also issued a five-year ACC3 certificate for security and cargo operations, valid until 2030. This certificate allows PIA to carry cargo from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad to the UK.
Audit and certification
Before issuing the license, British authorities carried out an audit with support from Pakistan Civil Aviation and UK inspection teams. Following the audit, the Department of Transport formally informed PIA of the approval on Tuesday.
The clearance comes as a significant expression of international trust in the airline, which has been striving to rebuild its reputation and expand operations abroad.
