ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume its flight operations to the United Kingdom (UK) after several years, with the first flight to Manchester scheduled for October 25.

The British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, welcomed the development, calling it a historic moment. She said PIA’s return to UK skies will strengthen ties between the two countries and open new opportunities for trade and tourism. British officials also praised the efforts of PIA’s management for making this restoration possible.

The resumption of direct flights is expected to make travel much easier for the Pakistani community living in the UK.

Last month, PIA achieved a major milestone when the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) granted the airline a cargo licence after a successful audit conducted jointly by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and a British inspection team.

The licence, valid for five years, allows PIA to operate cargo flights directly between Pakistan and the UK—boosting trade links and expanding the airline’s international operations.

However, an audit report noted that as of June 30, 2024, PIA had not yet recovered certain outstanding dues. Auditors urged the Aviation Division to take immediate steps to recover the pending amounts and address the issue promptly.

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