PIA to resume UK flights today

KARACHI:

After five years of suspension, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to resume its flight operations to the United Kingdom from Saturday, October 25, marking a major milestone in the national flag carrier's return to European skies.

According to official sources, preparations for the resumption of UK flights have been finalised. The first flight from Pakistan to the UK will depart on Saturday, operated by a Boeing 777 aircraft, they added.

A PIA team has already reached Britain to complete technical and operational inspections ahead of the relaunch. A spokesperson for PIA confirmed that the airline's aircraft are fully airworthy and fit for long-haul operations.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amir Hayat is personally overseeing all arrangements related to the flight resumption, ensuring full compliance with international safety and operational standards.

Earlier reports have indicated that the PIA, in the first phase, will operate two weekly flights between Islamabad and Manchester, scheduled for Saturdays and Tuesdays. The airline also plans to expand its operations to Birmingham and London in later stages.

The resumption follows the recent issuance of the Foreign Aircraft Operating Permit (FOP) by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the final authorisation needed for commercial operations.

The approval came after PIA received the Third Country Operator (TCO) certification and the ACC3 cargo and security clearances, reaffirming international confidence in the airline's safety and regulatory standards.

PIA had been barred from flying to the EU, the UK and the US in June 2020 after one of its Airbus A320 aircraft crashed in Karachi's Model Colony, claiming nearly 100 lives.