Direct flights between the UK and Pakistan are set to resume on Saturday 25th October following a five year suspension.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will mark a major milestone this weekend as its first direct flight from Islamabad International Airport lands at Manchester Airport, re-establishing a crucial air connection between the UK and Pakistan. The relaunch follows the UK government’s decision to remove PIA from its Air Safety List in July, recognising significant reforms to the airline’s operations and safety standards.
Since 2020, passengers travelling between Pakistan and northern UK airports have faced longer journeys and increased costs due to the absence of direct flights.
The resumption of PIA Islamabad to Manchester direct flights restores vital connectivity for thousands of people, particularly within the UK’s large British-Pakistani community.
PIA Chief Executive Officer Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Amir Hayat said: “This is a moment of immense pride and profound significance for Pakistan, and a huge benefit for the thousands of passengers who rely on this vital route.
“Working closely with our UK partners, the journey for us to this point has been one of meticulous reform and a steadfast commitment to excellence.”
He added that the airline’s return to the UK is the result of “a robust and world-class aviation safety framework” built over several years of dedicated reform.
The five-year suspension of PIA’s UK operations, imposed in 2020, triggered a comprehensive and substantive overhaul of Pakistan’s aviation industry. A series of technical audits, international collaborations, and safety reviews underpinned the national effort to rebuild trust and compliance with global aviation standards.
Among the key initiatives was the re-certification of Pakistani pilots through the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organization, following concerns over licensing protocols.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency later confirmed it had “re-established sufficient confidence” in Pakistan’s regulatory oversight.
Alongside improvements in safety and training, PIA also underwent a major financial restructuring, enabling the airline to report its first annual profit in over twenty years. These reforms have strengthened the carrier’s financial sustainability and operational integrity, paving the way for the expansion of international routes.
His Excellency Dr Mohammad Faisal, High Commissioner of Pakistan to the UK, highlighted the broader diplomatic and economic impact of the airline’s return. “The re-establishment of direct air links is a powerful symbol of our enduring friendship and deepening partnership with the United Kingdom,” he said.
“This will unlock immense opportunities for people and their families, as well as for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.”
The benefits of the PIA Islamabad to Manchester direct flights extend beyond convenience. Direct routes are expected to boost bilateral trade by improving supply chain efficiency and reducing transit times for cargo, while also encouraging greater business investment between Pakistan and the UK.
The timing of the service aligns with the UK–Pakistan Trade Dialogue, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to expanding economic collaboration.
Manchester Airport, one of the UK’s most important regional transport hubs, was chosen as the first destination for the resumed flights due to its close proximity to major British-Pakistani communities in the North West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire. The airport is expected to benefit from increased passenger and cargo volumes, contributing to the regional economy.
The new service offers four weekly flights between Islamabad and Manchester, with fares starting at £633. The journey takes just under eight hours, providing travellers with a direct, time-saving alternative to indirect routes through London or the Middle East.
Birmingham and London will be introduced by the PIA in the next phase, depending on passenger demand.
The move represents real improvement and deepening of Pakistan-UK relations, with the promise of further similar developments in years to come.
