Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed its London flight operations after a six-year gap, with the first flight, PK-785, departing from Islamabad carrying 325 passengers. The airline will operate four weekly flights between Pakistan and London, including three from Islamabad and one from Lahore, aiming to provide direct travel facilities to over 1.6 million Pakistanis residing in the UK.
The resumption of flights was celebrated with a ceremony attended by senior aviation officials, featuring a cake-cutting and a raffle draw. Defence Secretary Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Ali stated, “The resumption of flights will further strengthen ties between the two countries and their people,” highlighting the significance of this development.
PIA’s return to the UK market follows a ban imposed in June 2020 after a deadly crash in Karachi that resulted in 97 fatalities. The UK Air Safety Committee lifted the ban on Pakistani airlines in July 2025, paving the way for PIA to reinstate its operations.
Historically, PIA has a long-standing association with London, being its first international destination and maintaining a 71-year connection with the route. The flight safely landed at Heathrow Airport, marking a new chapter for the airline.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott welcomed the restoration of PIA’s London flights, stating, “The resumption reflects the growing relations between Pakistan and the UK.” This sentiment underscores the importance of connectivity between the two nations.
Looking ahead, PIA plans to extend its operations to Birmingham and London, as part of its strategy to improve services and expand its fleet under new ownership. The airline is committed to providing direct travel facilities to over 1.6 million Pakistanis living in the United Kingdom, as reiterated by officials during the launch event.
As PIA embarks on this new journey, observers are keen to see how the airline will enhance its services and adapt to the competitive aviation landscape. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific timeline for the expansion of routes and services.
