PIA resumes London flight operations after six-year hiatus

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-785 departed from Islamabad for London on Sunday with 325 passengers on board, marking the formal resumption of the national carrier’s operations in England’s capital after six years.

The development follows PIA’s return to the UK market in October 2025 with flights to Manchester, after British authorities lifted a ban on the airline earlier in July. The carrier is currently operating four weekly flights to Manchester and is now planning to gradually expand its footprint across other UK cities.

PIA’s UK operations had been suspended following the May 2020 crash of an Airbus A320 in Karachi that killed 97 people. The incident, coupled with concerns over pilot licensing standards, led to restrictions by UK and European regulators.

The inaugural flight today was seen off by Secretary Defence Lieutenant General (retd) Muhammad Ali and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott. A simple yet dignified ceremony was held at Islamabad International Airport, attended by PIA Consortium Chairman Arif Habib and senior aviation officials.

To mark the occasion, a celebratory cake was cut, and a lucky draw was held where one fortunate passenger won a 660cc car. Other passengers were also presented with commemorative gifts.

Addressing the ceremony, the secretary defence stated that the resumption of flights would further strengthen the ties between both nations and their people. The British high commissioner congratulated the PIA on the restoration of its London operations.

The PIA remains committed to providing direct travel facilities to over 1.6 million overseas Pakistanis residing in the United Kingdom. During the event, the CEO of PIA presented commemorative shields to the guests of honour.

The national carrier is also set to launch weekly flights from Lahore to London starting March 30. Initially, PIA will operate four weekly flights between Pakistan and London, with three departing from Islamabad and one from Lahore.

London was PIA’s first international destination, and the airline shares a 71-year-old history with this route, according to a PIA spokesperson.

Meanwhile, Heathrow Airport has organized a ceremony to welcome the PIA flight in London. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Mohammad Faisal, will receive the flight and see off passengers departing on the first return flight from London.