PIA pens letter to UK authorities for resumption of flights

KARACHI: The national flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has formally requested the British Department of Transport and Civil Aviation Authority to allow the resumption of its flights to the United Kingdom (UK).

The British Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed receiving the letter from PIA. The national carrier has urged British authorities to permit operations, emphasizing its readiness to comply with all required standards.

PIA has already received clearance from the European Union and will be operating its flight to Paris on January 10, 2025, after four years.

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The UK’s assessment of Pakistan’s aviation standards is expected to align with the European Union’s recent evaluations.

A CAA official stated that a UK Transport delegation is set to visit Pakistan in January, with an online meeting planned for the third week of December. He expressed hope that flights to the UK could resume soon after the visit, possibly by March.

Upon receiving approval from UK, PIA plans to operate flights to London, Birmingham, and Manchester.

According to a PIA spokesperson, the airline previously operated 21 weekly flights from Pakistan to the UK, including 10 flights to London, 9 to Manchester, and 2 to Birmingham.

The airline remains optimistic about rebuilding its international network and serving passengers traveling to and from Europe and the UK.

The return of flights to Europe and the UK is anticipated to greatly enhance PIA’s revenue.
PIA’s permit to operate in the EU was revoked in June 2020 due to concerns about Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority’s capability to meet international aviation standards.