Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Sunday resumed its direct flight operations to London after a six-year suspension, with the inaugural flight departing from Islamabad.
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The airline announced the development on its official social media platform, stating that flights will also operate from Lahore to London. “A new chapter unfolds, connecting two vibrant cities and bringing unforgettable journeys closer than ever,” the statement read.
A special inauguration ceremony was held at Islamabad International Airport to mark the occasion, attended by key officials including Muhammad Ali, Jane Marriott, and Arif Habib.
PIA had resumed its UK operations in October last year after United Kingdom removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List in July. The ban, originally imposed in 2020 by UK and European aviation authorities, followed concerns arising from the fake pilot licence scandal.
The relaunch of direct London flights comes shortly after Khawaja Asif announced plans to restore routes from Islamabad and Lahore. He highlighted that the move would benefit the Pakistani diaspora in the UK by reducing travel time and costs.
Asif further stated that the government is working to expand PIA’s fleet and restore its network of direct routes to destinations across the UK, Europe, and Canada. Efforts are also underway to revive direct flight operations to the United States in coordination with aviation authorities.
The development follows a major privatization milestone, as a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation acquired a majority stake in PIA for Rs135 billion in December last year. Recently, Fauji Fertiliser Company was approved to join the consortium, expanding the investor group as the deal moves toward its next financial phase.
The resumption of direct flights is seen as a significant step in revitalizing Pakistan’s aviation sector and strengthening international connectivity.
