ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — In a landmark development for Pakistan’s aviation industry, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) resumed direct flights to the United Kingdom on Saturday, marking the end of a five-year ban imposed after a major aviation safety scandal.

The first Boeing 777 flight departed Islamabad International Airport for Manchester, symbolizing a new chapter for the state-run carrier, which had been barred from operating in the UK and European Union since June 2020. The suspension followed the Karachi plane crash that killed nearly 100 people and exposed widespread irregularities in pilot licensing.

A Long Road Back to the Skies

Following years of scrutiny, Pakistan’s aviation authorities undertook sweeping safety reforms, pilot re-certifications, and organizational restructuring to restore confidence in the system. After comprehensive safety audits, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted the ban in November 2024, paving the way for PIA to reinstate European routes earlier this year.

Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif, speaking at the inaugural ceremony in Islamabad, hailed the return of UK operations as “a remarkable beginning” and promised expansion soon.

“The flight to Manchester is a remarkable beginning, but we are firmly determined to start flights to London and Birmingham next,” Asif said in a televised address.

He emphasized the importance of these flights for the 1.4 million Pakistanis living in Britain and Europe, noting that remittances from overseas Pakistanis remain crucial to stabilizing Pakistan’s economy.

“Providing them with direct flights is both a moral and national duty. These services will save them time, offer reasonable fares, and provide direct air links to their homeland,” Asif added.

Boosting Bilateral Ties and Economic Growth

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Mohammad Faisal, welcomed the resumption of flights as a pivotal step in strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

“This milestone will bring major economic benefits — generating substantial revenue, boosting trade and tourism, and expanding the movement of people and goods,” Faisal said at a London event.

Aviation experts have noted that direct flights between Pakistan and the UK are expected to significantly boost tourism, exports, and diaspora connectivity, offering renewed confidence in Pakistan’s compliance with global aviation safety standards.

The relaunch also comes as Pakistan continues to modernize its aviation infrastructure, including upgrades to major airports and improved air traffic control systems.

Looking Ahead

The UK routes’ reopening is seen as a symbolic victory for PIA, which has struggled with financial losses, management challenges, and reputational damage. With Britain’s skies open once again, PIA officials hope to attract more international passengers, rebuild global trust, and enhance the airline’s competitive standing.

Industry insiders anticipate that direct services to London Heathrow and Birmingham could resume in early 2026, depending on aircraft availability and regulatory approvals.

For millions of expatriate Pakistanis, Saturday’s flight to Manchester represents more than just a return of air service — it marks a restored bridge between communities, economies, and families long separated by bureaucracy and scandal.