Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) resumed direct flights from Islamabad to Manchester, UK, after a five-year break. The inaugural flight, carrying 284 passengers, marked a significant milestone in the airline’s efforts to restore its international connectivity.
During the ceremony on Saturday, Minister for Aviation Khawaja Asif highlighted the extensive improvements made to meet the standards of the world’s strictest aviation bodies. He noted that the government had “completely overhauled pilot training, licensing, aircraft maintenance, and safety procedures.”
Asif emphasized that PIA’s safety standards had been raised so high that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) restored confidence in the airline.
Direct flights between Manchester and Islamabad are now available for booking, with fares starting at £633 (Rs236,914). Initially, PIA will operate four weekly flights on this route, with plans to expand to flights from Birmingham and London in the next phase.
Asif also praised the efforts of Pakistani embassies and diplomatic staff in the UK and Europe, who played a key role in securing the resumption of PIA’s direct flights. “Thanks to their persistent efforts, the cloud of restrictions lifted, and PIA was given the right to resume its regular routes,” he said.
The minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to making PIA a profitable institution. “The government is focused on turning PIA into a profitable entity, so it becomes a support to the national economy rather than a burden,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of the airline for the Pakistani diaspora, Asif stated, “With over 1.4 million Pakistanis in Britain and Europe, providing them with direct flights is both a moral and national duty.” The resumption of direct flights, he said, would save time, offer reasonable fares, and strengthen links with Pakistan.
The government is aiming to extend these services further, with plans to introduce direct flights to London and Birmingham soon after Manchester.
This development follows the UK’s decision to remove PIA from its Air Safety List on July 16, 2025, based on successful technical audits and improvements in aviation safety standards. Before the suspension, PIA operated 21 weekly flights to the UK, including 10 to London, 9 to Manchester, and two to Birmingham.
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