Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed its direct flights to London on Sunday after a six-year gap, with its inaugural flight departing from Islamabad.
The airline confirmed the development in a post on X, adding that flights will also operate from Lahore.
It described the move as the start of a “new chapter” connecting the two destinations.
Ceremony marks relaunch
A special inauguration ceremony was held at Islamabad International Airport to mark the resumption of the service, according to state media.
Among those present were Secretary Defence Muhammad Ali, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, and PIA Consortium Chairman Arif Habib.
Flights resume after UK ban lifted
PIA had resumed UK operations in October last year after the United Kingdom removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List in July.
The ban, imposed in 2020 by UK and European aviation authorities, followed concerns over pilot licensing in Pakistan.
Govt highlights benefits
Earlier this week, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the restoration of direct flights would make travel easier for the Pakistani diaspora in the UK, saving both time and cost.
He added that the government aims to expand PIA’s fleet and restore more direct routes to destinations in Europe, the UK, and Canada. Efforts are also under way to revive direct flights to the United States.
Privatisation process under way
The development comes months after a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation acquired a majority stake in PIA for Rs135 billion in December.
Earlier this month, the Privatisation Commission of Pakistan approved the participation of Fauji Fertiliser Company in the consortium, expanding the buyer group as the deal moves towards its next phase.
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