Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed its flight operations to London after a six-year hiatus, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s history. The inaugural flight, PK-785, departed from Islamabad carrying 325 passengers, signaling a renewed commitment to connect Pakistan with the UK.
The airline will operate four weekly flights to London, with three originating from Islamabad and one from Lahore. This resumption aims to provide direct travel facilities to over 1.6 million Pakistanis residing in the UK, enhancing connectivity between the two nations.
The ceremony to celebrate this momentous occasion was attended by senior aviation officials and featured a cake-cutting event alongside a raffle draw. Defence Secretary Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Ali emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “The resumption of flights will further strengthen ties between the two countries and their people.”
PIA’s journey back to the UK skies comes after a ban was imposed in June 2020, following a tragic crash in Karachi that resulted in the loss of 97 lives. The UK Air Safety Committee lifted the ban on Pakistani airlines in July 2025, paving the way for PIA’s return.
Historically, London has been a crucial destination for PIA, being its first international route, with a 71-year association. The successful landing of PK-785 at Heathrow Airport marks a new chapter for the airline, which is also planning to expand its operations to Birmingham.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott welcomed the restoration of PIA’s London flights, highlighting that “the resumption reflects the growing relations between Pakistan and the UK.” This sentiment is echoed by PIA’s commitment to improving services and expanding its fleet under new ownership.
As PIA embarks on this renewed journey, observers are keen to see how the airline will adapt to the competitive aviation landscape and what further expansions may occur in the future. The successful resumption of flights is a promising step, but details remain unconfirmed regarding the full scope of PIA’s future plans.