WATCH: PIA returns to Heathrow after six-year hiatus, as first flight from Islamabad lands in London

In a historic moment for Pakistan’s aviation sector, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) marked the resumption of its direct flights from Islamabad to London after a gap of six years. PIA flight PK-785 landed at London’s Heathrow Airport on Sunday, receiving a warm welcome from Pakistan’s High Commissioner Dr Faisal and Heathrow officials. The occasion featured a modest yet celebratory ceremony, with the airport decorated in Pakistani and British flags and a Pakistan-themed cake cutting.

Strengthening ties through aviation

Speaking at the event, Dr. Faisal called the restoration of the flight “an important milestone,” emphasising that the service represents the voice and presence of Pakistanis in the United Kingdom. Heathrow Airport, which has maintained a long-standing relationship with PIA spanning seven decades, expressed delight at the airline’s return, with a spokesperson noting, “We warmly welcome PIA, today, our old friend has returned.”

Earlier in the day, the flight’s inauguration was attended by Defence Secretary Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Ali, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, and Chairman of the PIA Consortium Arif Habib, who jointly cut the ceremonial ribbon. Jane Marriott welcomed the flight’s return and expressed hope that PIA’s Karachi-London route would also resume soon, highlighting the strong Pakistani diaspora in the UK.

The Defence Secretary praised the collaborative efforts of PIA and Civil Aviation Authority officials in restoring the route, describing it as a significant step for Pakistan’s aviation sector. He also acknowledged the British High Commissioner’s personal efforts in facilitating the resumption. The renewed Islamabad-London service is expected to operate four times a week from Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4. Officials noted that the reinstatement of flights not only restores a historic connection but also reinforces trade, tourism, and bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, providing enhanced convenience for thousands of travelers.

The relaunch of PIA’s London flights has been widely celebrated as a symbol of growing diplomatic and cultural ties, reflecting the airline’s ongoing commitment to connecting Pakistanis abroad with their homeland.