PIA has been given permission to restart its flight operations to the United Kingdom after several years of suspension. The airline has officially received the Foreign Aircraft Operating Permit from the UK authorities, clearing the way for flights to resume this month.
The Pakistan High Commission in London announced that the first destination will be Manchester. Soon after, flights are also expected to operate to Birmingham and London, gradually restoring the network that had been closed since 2020.
PIA’s operations to the UK were suspended more than three years ago following safety concerns that led to a global review of the airline. Since then, the national carrier has been working on improving its systems, training, and safety compliance in order to meet international standards.
The recent approval, along with the Third Country Operator (TCO) certification already obtained, shows that these measures have been recognized and accepted by international regulators.
Officials have described this as a major breakthrough for Pakistan’s aviation industry and a source of relief for thousands of passengers who travel between Pakistan and the UK every year.
The UK is home to one of the largest Pakistani communities abroad, and direct flights will make travel easier for families, students, and business professionals.
With operations about to begin, PIA aims to restore confidence among travelers by offering safer, more reliable, and better quality services. The return of flights is being seen as both a commercial opportunity for the airline and a moment of pride for Pakistan’s aviation sector.
