Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to resume flights to the United Kingdom (UK) following the European Union’s decision to lift the ban, announced Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Mohammad Faisal.
Dr. Faisal confirmed that PIA flights to the UK will officially restart after Eidul Fitr. Speaking at an Iftar dinner in London attended by journalists and TikTok influencers, he stated that the first phase will include flights from London and Manchester to Pakistan, with efforts underway to reinstate services from Birmingham as well.
He also revealed that a special inaugural ceremony will be held to mark the occasion, with media representatives in attendance.
Notably, after the European Union lifted its ban, PIA resumed operations to Paris on January 10, 2024, ending a four-and-a-half-year suspension. The ban was initially imposed in June 2020 following a PIA plane crash in Karachi and a subsequent statement by the then-Aviation Minister, who revealed that some pilots had been hired with fraudulent licenses.
Meanwhile, the privatization of PIA has gained momentum, with several prominent business groups expressing interest in acquiring the airline. According to sources, the Arif Habib Group, Taba Group, and YB Holdings are among the potential buyers. Key meetings have reportedly taken place in Islamabad, where these groups have discussed acquisition terms and conditions with relevant authorities.
Sources further indicate that, as the privatization process accelerates, these groups have shown a strong willingness to proceed—provided their conditions are met.
On the other hand, a PIA spokesperson told ProPakistani that the UK High Commissioner has made this statement.
However, actual flight operations will depend on permissions to be granted by UK authorities.
