First Islamabad–Manchester flight takes off as Pakistan and UK celebrate restored air link
After more than five years, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed direct flight operations to the United Kingdom, marking a major milestone in the airline’s comeback efforts.
The first flight, PK-701, departed from Islamabad to Manchester on Saturday, restoring a long-suspended route that was halted in July 2020 following the European flight ban.
Flight Schedule and Operations
Initially, PIA will operate two weekly flights between Islamabad and Manchester — on Tuesdays and Saturdays — using its Boeing 777 aircraft.
The airline has confirmed that preparations for the route’s reopening, including security, technical, and logistical arrangements, were completed at Islamabad International Airport ahead of the inaugural flight.
To commemorate the occasion, a special ceremony was held at the airport, attended by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, senior officials from the aviation sector, and PIA management.
A large portrait of Manchester’s iconic skyline was also unveiled at the terminal to celebrate the renewed connection between the two cities.
Historic Resumption After a Long Hiatus
PIA’s flight ban to Europe and the UK was initially imposed in July 2020, after former aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan’s statement raised concerns over the authenticity of pilot licenses.
The suspension caused significant disruption for passengers and Pakistan’s expatriate community in the UK, forcing them to rely on foreign carriers for travel.
The resumption follows extensive audits and compliance efforts by the national airline and Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to meet international safety and certification standards.
Warm Welcome from the UK
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott hailed the restoration as a “historic moment”, describing it as a major step in strengthening bilateral ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
“The resumption of direct flights will bring Pakistan and the UK even closer, enhancing opportunities for travel, trade, and tourism,” she said in a statement.
UK authorities also commended the PIA administration for its efforts in regaining operational clearance, adding that the direct service will provide greater convenience for the large Pakistani diaspora living in Britain.
PIA CEO Reviews UK Operations
Ahead of the relaunch, PIA CEO personally oversaw a technical inspection of the Boeing 777 aircraft designated for the UK route at Karachi’s Asfahani Hangar.
The airline management reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining international safety standards and passenger comfort, stating that the UK operations represent a key step in PIA’s broader global route revival plan.