ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan gears up for UK flights, Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif announced that direct flights to US will also resume soon.
As per details, the minister had earlier announced that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to London will begin from Islamabad on October 25.
During interaction with reporters, Khawaja Asif said today that Pakistan is planning to resume direct flights to US following an end to long wait to operate flights to the United Kingdom.
He stated that both the national airline and several private carriers have been given green signal to operate routes to Britain, calling it a “major breakthrough” for the Pakistan’s aviation sector.
“The approval of national and private airlines for Britain is a very important development,” he said. Asif confirmed that the first flight from Islamabad to Manchester is scheduled to depart on October 25.
The minister further said that several private airlines expressed keen interest in launching services to the UK, which will further strengthen Pakistan’s global air connectivity and benefit travelers through increased competition.
He stated that efforts are being made toward resuming direct flights to the United States, noting that discussions with American aviation authorities have been “positive.”
“Hopefully, permission will be granted soon,” he added.
Pakistan UK flights
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to London will begin from Islamabad on October 25.
He said that two flights per week will be operated by PIA for Manchester.
Khawaja Asif added that this success was achieved due to the tireless efforts of the Civil Aviation Authority.
The minister further said that the ban on PIA flights was imposed during the tenure of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Pakistan High Commission
The Pakistan High Commission in a separate statement on social media platform X, said “High Commissioner Dr Muhammad Faisal is grateful to the UK Civil Aviation Authority for issuing the Foreign Aircraft Operating Permit (FOP) today, the final requirement for commercial flights between the UK and Pakistan.”
