PIA resumes UK operations after five years with Islamabad–Manchester flight

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed its flight operations to the United Kingdom after a gap of five years, with the first Islamabad–Manchester flight departing on Saturday carrying 284 passengers.

The flight marks the airline’s return to the UK route following the suspension of direct operations in July 2020. The inaugural flight was seen off by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott at Islamabad International Airport.

A simple but dignified ceremony was held before departure, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, diplomatic missions, and the aviation sector.

Speaking at the event, Defence Minister Asif said the resumption of direct flights would strengthen ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom and provide comfortable, efficient travel for more than 1.6 million Pakistanis residing in Britain.

He directed PIA officials to further improve flight schedules and cabin quality and take steps to increase the number of flights.

During the ceremony, a lucky draw awarded a 660cc car to one passenger, while others received mobile phones and gifts. Commemorative shields were also presented to distinguished guests by PIA’s Chief Executive Officer.

Initially, PIA will operate two weekly flights between Islamabad and Manchester on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with plans to gradually expand operations to London and Birmingham in the coming months.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the entire nation, particularly Pakistanis residing in the United Kingdom, on the resumption of PIA’s direct flights from Islamabad to Manchester.

The Prime Minister praised the efforts of Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), PIA, and other concerned officials for making the restoration of this service possible.

“With the grace of Allah, Pakistan’s image around the world is being restored,” the Prime Minister said.

He noted that PIA’s reputation had suffered due to the ban, but after years of effort, it has now been revived.

The prime minister said that Pakistanis living in the UK will greatly benefit from the resumption of direct flights between the two countries.

He added that restoring direct flight operations would bring new strength to Pakistan and UK relations.

“Through reforms, the journey of improvement in every national institution of Pakistan is progressing rapidly,” the prime minister stated.