Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed its London flight operations after a six-year hiatus, a significant development for the airline and the Pakistani diaspora in the UK. The first flight, PK-785, departed from Islamabad carrying 325 passengers, marking a momentous return to a route that has been integral to PIA’s history.
The airline will now operate four weekly flights between Pakistan and London, with three flights departing 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 celebrating this milestone was attended by senior aviation officials and featured a cake-cutting event and a raffle draw, symbolizing the optimism surrounding PIA’s renewed operations. 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 association with the London route spans an impressive 71 years, making it the airline’s first international destination. However, the airline faced significant challenges when it was banned from flying to the UK in June 2020, following a tragic crash in Karachi that resulted in 97 fatalities. This ban was lifted by the UK Air Safety Committee in July 2025, paving the way for PIA’s return.
The flight successfully landed at Heathrow Airport, marking a new chapter for PIA as it seeks to improve services and expand its fleet under new ownership. British High Commissioner Jane Marriott welcomed the restoration of PIA’s London flights, noting that “the resumption reflects the growing relations between Pakistan and the UK.”
Looking ahead, PIA plans to extend its operations to Birmingham and London, further enhancing travel options for passengers. As the airline embarks on this new journey, it aims to regain the trust of its customers and improve its service quality.
Overall, this development is seen as a crucial step in revitalizing PIA’s international presence and supporting the Pakistani community in the UK. Observers remain hopeful about the airline’s future, although details about further expansions and service improvements remain unconfirmed.