Pakistan Resumes PIA Flights to UK After Five-Year Hiatus, Aims to Restore Profitability
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) into a profitable entity, as the national carrier officially resumed weekly flights to the United Kingdom after a five-year suspension.
Speaking at a ceremony held at Islamabad International Airport to mark the occasion, Asif acknowledged that the suspension of UK operations had incurred substantial financial losses for the airline. However, he emphasized that PIA had now successfully restored its operational standards and credibility.
“We have successfully reinstated the quality and credibility of our national airline,” he said, expressing confidence in the carrier’s ability to regain its market position.
The resumption of flights came following the British authorities’ decision in July to lift the ban imposed in 2020, which had restricted Pakistani airlines from operating in the UK. Last month, PIA secured Third Country Operator (TCO) approval, paving the way for the relaunch.
Following the ceremony, PIA’s Boeing 777 flight PK-701 departed from Islamabad to Manchester, with an expected arrival at 5 pm PST after a nonstop journey of around five hours. A special reception is also scheduled at Manchester Airport to welcome the inaugural flight, according to a PIA spokesperson.
Asif praised the efforts of Pakistan’s diplomatic corps, noting their crucial role in securing the lifting of the ban. He also acknowledged the cooperation of British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, who attended the ceremony along with the defence secretary and other senior officials.
Speaking to British media, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Mohammad Faisal, expressed optimism that the Islamabad-Manchester route could pave the way for further connections to cities such as London and Birmingham. He noted that the airline had taken significant steps to rebuild trust following the 2020 Karachi crash, which claimed 97 lives and triggered global scrutiny over pilot licensing practices.
The tragic incident exposed serious regulatory lapses, including the use of fraudulent licences by some pilots. Subsequent investigations led to criminal probes into around 50 pilots and civil aviation officials who allegedly facilitated falsified certifications. The scandal prompted Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority to ground dozens of pilots and overhaul its licensing procedures.
Faisal emphasized that robust mechanisms had since been introduced to ensure stringent vetting of pilot qualifications, including involvement of external examiners to meet UK and European safety standards.
“We have gone through a rigorous process of setting up a new system,” he told The Telegraph, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to restoring confidence in its aviation sector. He highlighted that Pakistani pilots continue to be highly regarded globally.
According to earlier estimates by PIA, the suspension of UK operations resulted in annual revenue losses of approximately 40 billion rupees ($144 million). The UK routes—particularly to London, Manchester, and Birmingham—have historically been among the airline’s most profitable, supported by valuable landing slots at London’s Heathrow Airport.
PIA has also upgraded its safety, training, and maintenance systems, with flight crews undergoing re-evaluation and certification in the UK, The Telegraph reported.
With operations to the UK now restored, the government hopes this milestone will mark the beginning of PIA’s financial and reputational revival on the global stage.
