PIA resumes direct London flights after six-year suspension

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Sunday resumed direct flights to London after a six-year hiatus, with the inaugural flight departing from Islamabad.

The airline announced the development in a post on X, 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 airline said.

A special inauguration ceremony was held at Islamabad International Airport to mark the occasion, according to state media.

Secretary Defence Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Ali, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, and PIA Consortium Chairman Arif Habib attended the ceremony.

PIA had resumed its UK operations in October last year after United Kingdom removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List in July. The restriction, imposed in July 2020 by UK and European aviation authorities, followed the fake pilot licence scandal.

Read More: PM urges fuel conservation, discourages unnecessary travel amid crisis

The relaunch of direct London flights comes days after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced plans to restart routes from Islamabad and Lahore, highlighting that the move would provide greater convenience to the Pakistani diaspora in the UK by saving time and cost.

He said the government had taken significant measures to restore direct connectivity soon after initiating flights to Manchester, adding that further expansion of PIA’s fleet and network to destinations in the UK, Europe and Canada was expected.

The minister also said the government was working with US aviation authorities to revive direct flight operations to the United States.

The development follows the acquisition of a majority stake in PIA by a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation for Rs135 billion in December last year.

Earlier this month, the Privatisation Commission approved the participation of Fauji Fertiliser Company in the consortium, expanding the buyer group as the deal moves towards its first major payment deadline in late April.