Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed its London flight operations after a six-year hiatus, with the first flight, PK-785, departing from Islamabad carrying 325 passengers. This marks a significant milestone for the airline, which aims to provide direct travel facilities to over 1.6 million Pakistanis residing in the UK.
The airline will operate a total of four weekly flights between Pakistan and London, including three from Islamabad and one from Lahore. The flight safely landed at Heathrow Airport, signaling a new chapter for PIA.
PIA’s London route has a rich history, being the airline’s first international destination, with a 71-year association with the city. The resumption of flights comes after the UK Air Safety Committee lifted a ban on Pakistani airlines in July 2025, which had been imposed in June 2020 following a tragic crash in Karachi that resulted in 97 fatalities.
The ceremony to mark the resumption was attended by senior aviation officials and featured a cake-cutting and raffle draw. Defence Secretary Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Ali emphasized the importance of this event, stating, “The resumption of flights will further strengthen ties between the two countries and their people.”
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott also welcomed the restoration of PIA’s London flights, noting that it reflects the growing relations between Pakistan and the UK. PIA has expressed its commitment to improving services and expanding its fleet under new ownership.
Looking ahead, PIA plans to extend its operations to include flights to Birmingham and additional London services, further enhancing connectivity for travelers.
As the airline embarks on this new journey, observers are keenly watching how PIA will adapt and improve its services to meet the expectations of its passengers and the broader aviation market.