PIA resumes direct flight operations to London after six years hiatus

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed its direct flight operations between Pakistan and London, after a six-year suspension, marking a significant milestone in the country’s aviation sector.

This move is seen as a positive step forward in strengthening the bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, both politically and economically. For now, the schedule includes four weekly flights: three from Islamabad (starting today, March 29) and one from Lahore (starting tomorrow, March 30), primarily using Boeing 777 aircraft, marking a major restoration of UK routes.

The resumption of PIA flights has been welcomed by British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, who highlighted the large Pakistani diaspora in the UK, which numbers in the hundreds of thousands. “This is a welcome development as it will further facilitate travel and strengthen the bond between our two nations,” Marriott said. She also noted that the move reflects the growing and evolving relationship between Pakistan and the UK.

Defence Secretary of Pakistan, speaking on the occasion, described the resumption of direct flights as an important day for Pakistan’s aviation industry, one that symbolises the return of a long-standing connection between the two countries.

“PIA and London have shared a strong partnership for decades. Unfortunately, this relationship was suspended for the last six years, but today, we mark the revival of that partnership,” the Defence Secretary added.

He also pointed out the significance of Pakistan-UK trade relations and expressed optimism that the resumption of flights would boost business and tourism between the two countries. Direct flights from Karachi to London are expected to resume shortly, further enhancing connectivity and facilitating easier travel for both business and leisure.