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—PIA restarts direct Islamabad-London Heathrow service, marking return to UK market after safety reforms and privatization
Aftab Maken
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines on Sunday relaunched direct flights to London, ending a six-year suspension on the high-demand UK route, as the national carrier seeks to rebuild its global standing after safety reforms and privatization.
The Pakistan International Airlines inaugural flight PK-785 departed from Islamabad International Airport carrying around 325 passengers and landed at London Heathrow Airport following a ceremony attended by senior aviation officials and government representatives.
The relaunch follows the lifting of a ban imposed in 2020 by UK authorities after concerns over pilot licensing and the crash of a PIA aircraft in Karachi. The restrictions were removed in July 2025 after Pakistan implemented sweeping reforms through the Civil Aviation Authority, aligning safety protocols with global standards set by regulators including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
The Pakistan-UK corridor is among the busiest long-haul routes for the country, driven by a diaspora of over 1.6 million people of Pakistani origin living in Britain, according to UK government estimates. The resumption of direct flights eliminates layovers in the Middle East and Europe, reducing travel time by several hours and lowering costs for passengers.
The development comes months after the airline’s privatization in late 2025, when a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation acquired a majority stake for Rs135 billion, according to official disclosures. The new management has prioritised operational efficiency, fleet upgrades, and restoration of profitable international routes.
PIA is deploying its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on the route, with a seating capacity of over 300 passengers. The airline has scheduled four weekly flights from Islamabad to London Heathrow’s Terminal 4, while flights from Lahore are set to begin from March 30, expanding total weekly UK operations to seven.
Historically, London holds strategic importance for PIA as its first international destination in 1955, when the airline operated Super Constellation aircraft. Over the decades, the carrier expanded its UK footprint using Boeing 707 and later Boeing 777 fleets, making the route a core revenue stream.
Pakistan’s aviation sector has undergone increased scrutiny since 2020, when the European Union and UK suspended Pakistani carriers following safety lapses. According to aviation ministry data, reforms included revalidation of pilot licenses, stricter maintenance audits, and enhanced regulatory oversight, which helped restore international confidence.
Federal Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif said the resumption would benefit families, students, and businesses by providing direct and reliable connectivity. He added that improved air links would strengthen trade and cultural ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
Industry analysts view the London relaunch as a critical test for PIA’s turnaround strategy. The airline has posted recurring losses exceeding Rs700 billion over the past decade, according to finance ministry figures, largely due to inefficiencies and debt burdens. The privatization aims to reverse these trends by improving governance and commercial viability.
Passengers on the inaugural flight expressed strong demand for non-stop travel, with tickets selling out quickly, reflecting pent-up demand after years of disruption. PIA officials said they are offering competitive fares and upgraded onboard services to regain market share from Middle Eastern and European carriers.
The successful operation of UK routes could pave the way for expansion into other markets, including potential resumption of flights to the United States, subject to regulatory approvals. Pakistan’s aviation industry contributes nearly 1% to GDP, according to World Bank estimates, highlighting its role in economic connectivity.
As the aircraft touched down at Heathrow, it marked more than a route revival, signalling renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation oversight and the restructuring of Pakistan International Airlines under private ownership.
