Pakistan International Airlines will resume direct flights to the United Kingdom from 25th October, starting with the Manchester–Islamabad route. The airline announced its historic return on X, celebrating the restoration of connectivity after a four-year suspension.
The move follows the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s issuance of a Foreign Aircraft Operating Permit & Third Country Operator approval. The Pakistan High Commission in London confirmed that operations to Birmingham & London will follow in later phases.
The resumption became possible after the UK Department for Transport conducted a security inspection at Islamabad International Airport, deeming its arrangements Satisfactory & in line with International Standards.
PIA had been barred from UK & EU airspace since June 2020, following a fatal Karachi crash and revelations about dubious pilot licences. The European flight ban was lifted in November 2024, paving the way for PIA’s full return to British skies.
