Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has regained 14 slots at Heathrow Airport London. These slots were previously allocated to foreign carriers after restrictions were imposed on the national airline’s UK operations.
The restoration of these slots is expected to allow PIA to expand its flight operations between Pakistan and London, with additional services planned under the winter schedule beginning in October.
According to sources, PIA’s weekly flights from Islamabad to London are likely to increase from three to five. Flights from Lahore to London are expected to rise from one to two per week. This will also strengthen the connectivity from Karachi and Sialkot to London through connecting flights.
Background
Previously, PIA had been forced to give up landing rights at Heathrow airport. In 2022, the airline allocated seven of its slots to two foreign carriers, handing six to Turkish Airlines and one to Kuwait Airways for a period of six months. This change came after the European Union imposed a ban on PIA flights, where the national carrier were asked to enter into agreements with foreign airlines to retain its Heathrow slots rather than risk losing them permanently.
However, the recent recovery of these slots is now expected to mark a turning point in PIA’s efforts to restore its full operational presence.
On the other hand, previously, Saudi Group Director General Engr. Ibrahim AlOmar met a delegation from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to discuss potential areas of cooperation and developments in the aviation sector. The meeting was held in coordination with the Saudi-Pakistani Joint Business Council, chaired by Prince Mansour bin Mohammed Al Saud.
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