Islamabad, Feb 24: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is gearing up to restart its flight operations to the United Kingdom, but the final decision hinges on approval from British authorities. A PIA spokesperson confirmed that the airline is awaiting permission from the UK government, which is expected to be decided in mid-March. If granted, flight operations could resume within 10 to 15 days, though an exact timeline remains uncertain until official clearance is received.
Earlier reports suggested that PIA had planned to relaunch its UK flights on March 28, 2025. However, the final decision rests with Britain’s Department of Transport Safety, which is set to review the matter in a meeting scheduled for March 15. Officials have emphasized that no flights will commence without explicit approval from the British government.
PIA has outlined a phased approach for resuming services. In the first phase, flights will operate between Islamabad and Manchester. In the subsequent phase, the airline intends to expand routes from Lahore and Islamabad to London, gradually restoring its presence in the UK market.
In anticipation of its return, PIA has already initiated operational preparations, issuing tenders for ground handling, catering, and crew accommodations in the UK. These steps indicate the airline’s readiness to reintegrate into one of its key international markets, provided regulatory approvals align with its plans.
