ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) marked a major milestone on Saturday as it resumed direct flights to the United Kingdom after a five-year suspension. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming the national flag carrier into a profitable and reliable organization.
Speaking at a ceremony held at Islamabad International Airport, Asif said the suspension of UK operations had caused substantial financial losses but expressed confidence that the airline had now regained its global credibility and operational standards. “We have successfully reinstated the quality and credibility of our national airline,” he remarked.
Britain lifted the five-year ban in July, allowing Pakistani carriers to reapply for flight operations after PIA secured the Third Country Operator (TCO) approval from UK authorities last month. Following the ceremony, flight PK-701, operated by a Boeing 777, took off from Islamabad for Manchester, where a special welcome event was scheduled upon arrival.
The defence minister lauded the efforts of Pakistan’s diplomatic staff and acknowledged the cooperation of the British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott, who was also present along with other senior officials.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, said the Islamabad-Manchester service would pave the way for operations to other British cities. He noted that the airline had resolved all issues that led to the suspension, including pilot certification and safety concerns following the 2020 Karachi crash.
PIA had suffered estimated annual losses of about Rs. 40 billion during the ban, as routes to London, Manchester, and Birmingham were among its most lucrative. According to Dr. Faisal, new systems have been established to ensure pilot licensing meets European and UK safety standards, restoring international confidence in Pakistani aviation.
