PIA's resumption of UK flights after five years represents a milestone
Pakistan
International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed direct flights
to the United Kingdom after a five-year suspension, marking a major step in the
flag carrier’s return to international routes. The move follows the lifting of
a ban imposed by UK authorities in 2020 over aviation safety concerns that
arose after a tragic Karachi crash that claimed nearly 100 lives.
A long-awaited return
The resumption of PIA’s UK operations represents
a milestone for travelers, expatriates, and the tourism industry alike. For the
first phase, the airline will operate two weekly flights between
Islamabad and Manchester, with plans to expand services to London and
Birmingham in the coming months.
This renewed connectivity restores a vital link
for thousands of passengers who had been relying on connecting flights through
other carriers since 2020.
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allows Pakistani airlines after a hiatus of five years
Meeting global safety standards
The restoration follows years of intensive
reform within Pakistan’s aviation sector. Authorities implemented sweeping
improvements in pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and safety oversight
to meet international standards.
PIA officials said that the airline underwent
multiple audits by foreign regulators before the UK Civil Aviation Authority
granted its approval to resume flights.
“This milestone reflects the tremendous
efforts made by Pakistan’s aviation authorities and PIA’s management to regain
international trust,” said a PIA spokesperson.
Boosting tourism and business
ties
The reopening of direct routes between
Pakistan and the UK is expected to significantly benefit the tourism and
business sectors. The UK remains one of the top destinations for Pakistani
travelers, while the convenience of direct flights is likely to attract more
British visitors eager to explore Pakistan’s diverse landscapes and cultural
heritage.
Industry experts believe that the restored
connection could also strengthen economic and diaspora ties between the two
nations, particularly given the large Pakistani community in the UK.
Read More Pakistan
actively seeking to reinstate PIA flights to UK
Rebuilding a legacy
Once a symbol of national pride, PIA has faced
persistent financial and operational challenges in recent years. However, the
successful resumption of flights to the UK — and earlier to Paris following the
EU’s lifting of restrictions in late 2024 — signals a turning point in the
airline’s efforts to rebuild its international credibility.
The Pakistani government has reiterated its
commitment to privatizing PIA as part of broader aviation reforms,
with the goal of creating a more competitive and sustainable carrier.
Looking ahead
With the UK and European routes now back
online, PIA is setting its sights on expanding to additional destinations. The
airline aims to strengthen its presence in global markets while improving
passenger experience and reliability.
For travelers, the return of direct flights
between Pakistan and the UK marks not only greater convenience but also a sign
of renewed progress in Pakistan’s aviation landscape.
As
PIA charts its comeback, this development stands as both a symbol of resilience
and a hopeful step toward restoring its place among the world’s trusted
national airlines.
Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/