PIA operates two weekly flights between Islamabad and Manchester and plans to expand to London and Birmingham
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) resumed its flight operations to the United Kingdom after a gap of five years, with the first Islamabad-Manchester flight departing on Saturday with 284 passengers.
The flight marks the airline’s return to the UK route following the suspension of direct operations in July 2020. The inaugural flight was seen off by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott at Islamabad International Airport.
Before departure, a simple but dignified ceremony was held, attended by 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 UK and provide comfortable and efficient travel to over 1.6 million Pakistanis residing in Britain.
He directed PIA officials to further improve flight timings and cabin quality and take steps to increase the number of flights.
During the ceremony, a 660cc car was raffled off to one passenger, while others received mobile phones and gifts. The PIA CEO also presented commemorative shields to distinguished guests.
Initially, PIA will operate two weekly flights between Islamabad and Manchester on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with plans to gradually expand operations to London and Birmingham in the coming months.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the entire nation, particularly Pakistanis residing in the United Kingdom, on the resumption of direct PIA flights from Islamabad to Manchester.
The Prime Minister lauded the efforts of Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), PIA and other concerned officials for making the restoration of this service possible.
“With the grace of Allah, Pakistan’s image across the world is being restored,” the Prime Minister said.
He noted that PIA’s reputation had taken a hit due to the ban, but after years of efforts, it has now been revived.
The Prime Minister said Pakistanis living in the UK will benefit greatly from the resumption of direct flights between the two countries.
He added that restoring direct flight operations would bring new strength to Pakistan-UK relations.
“Through reforms, the path towards improvement in all national institutions of Pakistan is advancing rapidly,” the Prime Minister said.
