Islamabad: After more than five years, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to resume direct flights to the United Kingdom starting Saturday, marking a major milestone in the national carrier’s recovery efforts.
The first flight will depart from Islamabad International Airport to Manchester, officially restoring PIA’s air operations to the UK after a suspension that lasted five years and three months.
According to airline officials, all arrangements have been completed at Islamabad Airport for the relaunch. A special ceremony will be held on Saturday to mark the resumption of services, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif expected to attend as the chief guest. The airport terminal has also been decorated for the occasion, including a large portrait of Manchester installed in the departure lounge.
PIA’s flights to the UK were suspended on July 1, 2020, after British aviation authorities imposed a ban in response to a statement made by then–Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan in the National Assembly on June 24, 2020, regarding the verification of pilots’ licenses.
The resumption follows extensive efforts by Pakistani authorities to meet international aviation safety standards and restore the airline’s global reputation.
