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PIA Cleared to Resume Direct Flights to UK After 5-Year Ban
PIA gets UK clearance after 5 years, to restart direct passenger & cargo flights next month — starting with Manchester, followed by London & Birmingham.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-09-24
PIA Cleared to Resume Direct Flights to UK After 5-Year Ban

The national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), has received long-awaited clearance to resume direct flights to the United Kingdom after securing the Third Country Operator (TCO) approval.

According to a PIA spokesperson, the airline will commence its UK operations from next month, beginning with direct flights to Manchester. In subsequent phases, flights to Birmingham and London will also be added to the schedule.

The UK Department of Transport formally notified PIA of the decision and issued a five-year operational certificate, granting the airline comprehensive approval to operate both passenger and cargo flights.

Major Milestone After Years of Suspension

PIA flights to the UK had been suspended since 2020 following concerns raised over safety and licensing issues. The new approval comes after the airline successfully underwent a series of rigorous audits over the past five years, which officials described as a significant test of resilience and compliance.

Gratitude to Government and Institutions

PIA CEO expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Defence, the Ministry of Defence, the Civil Aviation Authority, and other institutions for their support in regaining access to the UK aviation market.

The spokesperson also commended the dedication of PIA’s own team, who worked tirelessly to meet international standards, saying:
“After steadfastly facing numerous audits over five years, the PIA team has achieved this remarkable success.”

Boost for Passengers and Trade

The clearance is expected to bring much-needed relief for overseas Pakistanis, particularly in the UK, who have faced travel disruptions and higher fares due to the suspension of direct flights. Additionally, PIA’s ability to carry cargo will support trade links between Pakistan and the UK.

Industry analysts believe the approval marks a turning point for the struggling airline, offering both financial and reputational gains, provided that operational standards are consistently maintained.

 
Tagged:

Pakistan

Aviation

PIA

Manchester

UKFlights
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