PIA operates two weekly Islamabad-Manchester flights and plans expansion to London and Birmingham
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed flight operations to the United Kingdom after a five-year hiatus, with the first Islamabad-Manchester flight departing on Saturday carrying 284 passengers.
This flight marks the airline’s return to the UK route after the suspension of direct operations in July 2020. The inaugural flight was welcomed by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott at the Islamabad International Airport.
A simple but dignified ceremony took place before departure, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Defense, diplomatic missions and the aviation sector.
Speaking at the event, Defense Minister Asif said the resumption of direct flights would strengthen ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom and provide comfortable and efficient travel to over 1.6 million Pakistanis residing in Britain.
He asked PIA officials to further improve flight schedules and cabin quality and take steps to increase the number of flights.
During the ceremony, a raffle awarded a 660cc car to a passenger, while others received cell phones and gifts. Commemorative shields were also presented to the distinguished guests by the PIA Chairman and Managing Director.
Initially, PIA will operate two weekly flights between Islamabad and Manchester on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with plans to gradually expand its operations to London and Birmingham in the coming months.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the entire nation, especially Pakistanis residing in the United Kingdom, on the resumption of PIA’s direct flights between Islamabad and Manchester.
The Prime Minister lauded the efforts of Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), PIA and other concerned officials in making the restoration of this service possible.
“With the grace of Allah, Pakistan’s image in the world is being restored,” the Prime Minister said.
He pointed out that PIA’s reputation had suffered due to the ban, but after years of efforts, it has now been revived.
The Prime Minister said Pakistanis living in the UK would benefit greatly from the resumption of direct flights between the two countries.
He added that restoration of direct air operations would bring new strength to Pakistan-UK relations.
“Through reforms, the path towards improving every national institution of Pakistan is progressing rapidly,” the Prime Minister said.
