PIA restarts London flights after six years

Pakistan International Airlines has restarted direct flights to London, ending a six-year suspension and marking a significant step in the national carrier’s international recovery.

The inaugural service departed from Islamabad, while officials said direct Lahore-London operations are also being launched. A formal ceremony at Islamabad International Airport was attended by senior Pakistani officials, the British high commissioner and representatives of the new ownership consortium.

The resumption follows Britain’s earlier decision to remove Pakistan from its Air Safety List, clearing the way for PIA’s return to the UK market after the airline’s long disruption linked to the fake pilot licence scandal. The government says the move will cut travel time and costs for passengers, particularly the large Pakistani diaspora in Britain.

Authorities also say work is continuing to restore more long-haul routes, including potential direct flights to the United States, as PIA’s network and fleet expansion plans move forward under its new ownership structure.