Pakistan eyes UK clearance for PIA flights to Manchester
Transport Safety Board likely to review ban on Pakistani airlines on March 15
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is gearing up to relaunch its direct flights to the United Kingdom as the UK Department for Transport’s Safety Review Board is expected to meet on March 15 to decide on lifting the ban on Pakistani airlines.
The airline has planned to resume its Islamabad-Manchester route from March 28, pending regulatory approval. If granted, flights will begin immediately, marking a crucial step in restoring direct air travel between Pakistan and the UK after nearly four years.
PIA's expanded Europe operations
In the initial phase, PIA will operate flights between Islamabad and Manchester. The second phase will include routes from Islamabad and Lahore to London and Birmingham.
To facilitate smooth operations, the airline has floated tenders for essential services, including ground handling, catering, and crew accommodations in the UK.
Talking to local media, a PIA spokesperson highlighted the significance of the UK market, stating that passengers would receive international-standard services as part of the airline’s commitment to improving its global offerings.
Last month, PIA resumed direct flights to Paris after a four-and-a-half-year suspension. The inaugural flight, PK-749, took off from Islamabad International Airport with 330 passengers and 14 crew members aboard a Boeing 777 (AP-BGK).
To commemorate the occasion, the aircraft featured a special livery with a miniature Eiffel Tower on its tail and the slogan "I Love Paris" on its nose.
PIA, the national flag-carrier of Pakistan, will operate twice-weekly flights between Islamabad and Paris, flying on Fridays and Sundays. The route is already in high demand, with full bookings recorded for the first two flights.
Additionally, PIA has secured a partnership with Air France, enabling passengers to access onward flights to 21 destinations across Europe and the UK via Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Fleet upgrades & Middle East growth
PIA is also enhancing its domestic and international operations. The airline recently reintroduced an ATR aircraft to strengthen domestic connectivity, particularly to destinations like Gilgit, Sukkur, Turbat, and Gwadar.
Furthermore, PIA has launched new flights from the recently inaugurated Gwadar International Airport (NGIA), with three weekly flights to Muscat, Oman. Additional international routes are expected soon as part of the airline’s expansion strategy.
Aiming to improve efficiency, PIA has set a 90 percent on-time performance target and has been consistently meeting this goal, reinforcing its dedication to reliable travel.