PIA has officially resumed its flight operations to the United Kingdom after a long gap of five years and three months.
The first flight departed for Manchester, marking a major milestone for the national carrier. Initially, PIA will operate two flights per week every Tuesday and Saturday connecting Pakistan and the UK once again.
A special ceremony was held at Islamabad International Airport to celebrate the occasion. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif attended the event and praised the airline’s management for their efforts to restore international operations.
A portrait of Manchester’s famous landmarks was also displayed at the airport to symbolize the renewed connection between the two countries.
The suspension of flights began in July 2020 after concerns were raised about the authenticity of pilot licenses. Since then, PIA has been working closely with aviation authorities to meet international safety and regulatory standards.
Recently, the airline’s Boeing 777 aircraft underwent a detailed inspection by PIA’s CEO to ensure compliance with global aviation requirements.
British officials, including UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott, welcomed the resumption of flights. She highlighted that the move will make travel easier for the Pakistani community living in the UK and will help boost bilateral trade and tourism.
The United Kingdom remains Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, and this development is expected to strengthen economic ties further. With the relaunch of UK-bound flights, PIA hopes to rebuild passenger confidence and expand its international operations in the coming months.
