PIA cleared for direct UK flights after nearly five-year hiatus

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has received the official green light to resume direct flights to the United Kingdom,  nearly after five years of suspended operations.

According to a PIA spokesperson, the airline has secured Third Country Operator (TCO) approval from UK authorities, paving the way for the relaunch of direct services. In the first phase, direct flights to Manchester will commence next month, followed by Birmingham and London in subsequent stages.

The decision follows a series of comprehensive audits by the UK Department for Transport (DfT), which concluded that security arrangements at Pakistani airports meet international standards. As a result, PIA has also been granted a five-year ACC3 certification, a key requirement for air carriers operating cargo and passenger services to Europe.

“These certifications reflect full confidence in PIA’s operational and safety standards,” the spokesperson said, adding that PIA now holds “comprehensive and all-round approval” for direct UK operations, including both passenger and cargo flights.

This clearance marks a turning point after a turbulent period for the national carrier. In June 2020, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had banned PIA from EU airspace following a deadly crash in Karachi and concerns over pilot licensing and safety protocols. The ban was lifted in November 2024, after which PIA formally sought UK approval.

In preparation for the resumed UK routes, PIA has also taken two Boeing 777 aircraft out of service for upgrades—one undergoing landing gear replacement, and the other receiving interior enhancements, including new seats and cabin lighting in the Executive Economy class. One aircraft is expected to return to service by the end of this month.

The return of direct flights to the UK is expected to provide a major boost to PIA’s international operations and serve thousands of passengers, particularly within the Pakistani diaspora in Britain.