ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed direct flights to the United Kingdom, marking the end of a five-year suspension that began in 2020. The first flight is set to operate on the Islamabad–Manchester route, with plans to expand to Birmingham and London soon.

The United Kingdom removed Pakistan from its air safety blacklist earlier this year, allowing PIA to apply for permissions to restart operations. The move follows Pakistan’s successful reforms to meet international aviation safety standards.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif congratulated PIA on the resumption of UK flights, terming it a “positive step towards restoring global confidence in Pakistan’s aviation sector.” He also praised the efforts of aviation authorities and the Ministry of Defence for ensuring compliance with international safety protocols.

Why PIA Was Banned

The ban on Pakistani airlines was imposed in June 2020 after the tragic crash of PIA flight PK8303 in Karachi, which killed 97 people. The accident led to a deeper investigation that revealed irregularities in pilot licensing, with several pilots reportedly flying on “dubious licences.”As a result, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) suspended PIA’s authorization to operate in European and British airspace. The ban significantly affected the airline’s global reputation and financial stability.

Rebuilding Trust and Safety

In the years since, Pakistan’s aviation authorities undertook extensive reforms to meet global safety and training standards. These included revising pilot certifications, improving safety audits, and upgrading internal management systems.

By mid-2025, both the European Union and the UK acknowledged these improvements and lifted the restrictions, clearing the path for PIA’s long-awaited return to the international market.

Economic and Diaspora Impact

British High Commissioner JaneMarriott calls it a “historic moment” for trade, travel, and ties.

Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif hailed the resumption of UK flights as a “milestone achievement,” emphasizing the reconnection of over 1.6 million Pakistanis residing in the UK. The move is expected to boost tourism, business travel, and remittances, while symbolizing Pakistan’s progress toward aviation reliability.

The resumption also aligns with PIA’s recent financial recovery, as the airline reported its first pre-tax profit in over two decades in early 2025 which is a crucial step toward its planned privatization.

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