PIA to resume direct flights to UK from October

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume direct flights to the United Kingdom starting next month, following the successful completion of all regulatory requirements and approvals, the national carrier’s spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday.

The airline has received formal Third Country Operator (TCO) authorisation from the British Department for Transport (DfT), which makes a crucial step in reestablishing its air connectivity with the UK.

Also read: PIA’s free rides cost national treasury billions

According to the PIA spokesperson, the DfT officially informed the airline of the decision yesterday. Calling it a significant milestone, the spokesperson added, “in the first phase, direct flights will operate to Manchester, followed by the addition of Birmingham and London to our network,” the spokesperson said.

PIA has also been granted the Air Cargo Carrier 3 (ACC3) certification for its security and cargo operations. The certification will be valid for five years. The certificate, issued by international aviation safety bodies, demonstrates full confidence in PIA’s operational standards and safety compliance.

The comprehensive approval received allows PIA to restart its direct operations with full authorisation and recognition of our improved safety protocols, the spokesperson said.

PIA’s UK operations were suspended in 2020 after concerns were raised by European and British aviation regulators over pilot licensing and safety management. Since then, the airline has since undergone extensive audits and reforms to meet international standards.

PIA chief executive expressed gratitude to Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Minister of Defence, the Ministry of Defence, Civil Aviation Authorities, and other institutions for their support throughout the process.

AIRBLUE TO OPERATE UK FLIGHTS TOO

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s private airline Airblue has also received the TCO licence from the DFT for launching direct flights from Pakistan to the UK.

Airblue’s Airbus A320 planes will fly to the UK with a refuelling stop in Türkiye. The airline will operate its UK flights using Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.

Also read: Airblue to launch UK flights while PIA waits for operations licence

Earlier, in July, the United Kingdom had lifted its ban on Pakistani airlines, allowing them to resume flight operations after over five years.