Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has made a long-awaited return to British skies, resuming direct flights between Islamabad and Manchester on Saturday, October 25, 2025, after a five-year absence. The relaunch marks a pivotal chapter for the state-run carrier, which had been grounded from UK and European routes since 2020 following a tragic crash and subsequent revelations about pilot licensing irregularities. For many, this event signals not only renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation standards, but also rekindles vital economic, cultural, and familial links between the two nations.
As reported by TDI and the Associated Press, the inaugural flight departed Islamabad for Manchester with 284 passengers aboard, following the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s decision to grant PIA a Foreign Aircraft Operating Permit. This regulatory green light came after months of rigorous inspections and reforms, culminating in a ceremony at Islamabad International Airport attended by Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Mohammad Asif. Addressing the assembled crowd and later in a televised statement, Asif underscored the significance of the occasion: “The flight to Manchester is a remarkable beginning, but we are firmly determined to start flights to London and Birmingham next.”
The relaunch, initially set for two weekly flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays, is poised to expand to other major UK cities as PIA restores its international footprint. The move is a direct response to the longstanding demand of the Pakistani diaspora in Britain—over 1.4 million strong, according to AP, and more than 1.6 million by TDI’s count—who have long called for more convenient, direct air links to their homeland. For these families, direct flights are more than a matter of convenience; they represent a crucial bridge for remittances, visits, and the maintenance of cultural ties. Asif captured this sentiment in his remarks: “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.”
The path to this relaunch was anything but straightforward. In June 2020, a PIA Airbus A320 crashed in Karachi, claiming 97 lives. The tragedy sent shockwaves through the aviation world, but the aftermath proved even more damaging for Pakistan’s flag carrier. Investigations uncovered that a significant number of PIA pilots held dubious or outright fake licenses, prompting immediate bans from the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United States. These restrictions were not just punitive—they were a stark demand for sweeping reforms and a total overhaul of aviation safety protocols in Pakistan.
In the wake of these events, PIA faced an existential crisis. The carrier suspended its European services entirely, redirecting resources toward meeting the stringent requirements of international regulators. According to TDI, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) finally lifted its suspension in November 2024, following extensive safety audits. This allowed PIA to resume flights to Paris in January 2025 and Lahore in June of the same year. The airline, however, continues to be barred from operating flights to the United States, a reminder that while progress has been made, challenges remain.
PIA’s return to the UK is not just a technical or regulatory achievement—it carries significant economic implications. Britain is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral commerce valued at approximately £4.7 billion (about US$5.7 billion) annually, according to TDI. The restoration of direct flights is expected to facilitate even greater trade flows, boost tourism, and enhance the movement of people and goods between the two countries. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Mohammad Faisal, highlighted these benefits at a recent event in London: “This milestone will bring major economic benefits; generating substantial revenue, boosting trade and tourism, and expanding the movement of people and goods.”
For the Pakistani government, the relaunch is also an opportunity to showcase its commitment to reform and modernization. Defense Minister Asif, who led the seeing-off ceremony at Islamabad airport, instructed PIA officials to enhance aircraft cabins and improve flight schedules as part of the relaunch. These directives are aimed at ensuring that the airline not only meets international safety standards but also provides a competitive and comfortable experience for passengers. It’s a tall order, given PIA’s checkered history, but one that government officials appear determined to meet.
At the heart of these developments lies the Pakistani diaspora in the UK and Europe. Remittances sent home by overseas Pakistanis are a cornerstone of the national economy, providing essential foreign currency and supporting countless families. As Asif noted, “the remittances they send were the backbone of Pakistan’s economy.” The direct flights are expected to make it easier for expatriates to visit family, conduct business, and maintain their connection to Pakistan, all while saving time and money compared to lengthy layovers or indirect routes.
The relaunch has also been welcomed by community leaders and business groups on both sides of the aisle. For many in Britain’s Pakistani community, the return of PIA flights is a source of pride and a practical solution to long-standing travel woes. Meanwhile, British businesses eye greater opportunities for trade and investment, buoyed by the prospect of smoother logistics and increased people-to-people exchanges.
Yet, the road ahead is not without its bumps. PIA’s reputation remains fragile, and the airline must continue to demonstrate that its reforms are both meaningful and lasting. The memory of the 2020 crash and the license scandal still lingers, and international regulators will be watching closely to ensure that safety standards are not only met but maintained. The airline’s continued exclusion from the US market is a stark reminder that there’s still work to be done.
Looking forward, PIA’s management has signaled its intention to build on this momentum. Plans are underway to expand services to London and Birmingham, and there are hopes that further regulatory hurdles can be overcome. The airline’s spokesperson told TDI that the resumption of direct flights “addresses the long-standing demand of over 1.6 million Pakistanis residing in the UK for improved connectivity.”
For now, the mood is one of cautious optimism. The sight of a PIA Boeing 777 touching down in Manchester after five long years is a powerful symbol of renewal and resilience. As the first passengers disembarked, greeted by officials and community members alike, there was a palpable sense that a significant barrier had been lifted—not just for an airline, but for the countless families and businesses that depend on these vital air links.
This new chapter for PIA and Pakistan-UK relations is a testament to the power of reform, persistence, and the enduring ties that bind communities across continents. The challenge now is to ensure that this hard-won progress is built upon, so that the tragedies of the past are never repeated, and the promise of renewed connectivity can be fully realized for generations to come.
