PIA Officially Announces Date to Restart Flights to UK

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to restart flight operations to the United Kingdom later this month, nearly four years after services were suspended.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that the first flight from Islamabad to Manchester and back is planned for October 25, with a weekly frequency of two flights.

Alhamdolillah
We have finally planned for the first flight to UK (Islamabad to Manchester & back) on 25 Oct 25, InshaAllah with a weekly frequency of 02 flights.
انشا ء اللہ پی آئ اے کی ھفتہ میں مانچسٹر کے لئے دو فلائٹوں کا آغاز 25اکتوبر کو اسلام آباد سےھو رہا ھے۔ پی ٹی آئ کی…

— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) October 3, 2025

The Pakistan High Commission in London confirmed that the UK Civil Aviation Authority has issued the Foreign Aircraft Operating Permit, the final approval required for PIA to resume commercial flights.

The airline has also secured the Third Country Operator approval for UK operations. Flights will initially resume to Manchester, followed by Birmingham and London.

This resumption comes after a series of regulatory steps in recent months. In July, the UK removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List, enabling domestic airlines to apply for British routes.

The UK Department for Transport also conducted a security inspection at Islamabad International Airport, declaring Pakistan’s aviation security satisfactory and aligned with international standards.