Pakistan allows UK's Norse Atlantic to operate direct flights: Kh Asif

Direct flights to Islamabad planned from London, Manchester and Birmingham

Published: 12:48 PM, 2 Jan, 2026
Topics, Travel, Featured News
Pakistan allows UK's Norse Atlantic to operate direct flights: Kh Asif

Pakistan has granted approval to Britain’s Norse Atlantic Airways to operate flights to the country, signalling a major expansion in international air connectivity following the recent privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Friday.

According to the report, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the development in a social media post, announcing that Norse Atlantic will launch direct flight services to Islamabad from London, Manchester and Birmingham.

The defence minister said the entry of additional international carriers would promote healthy competition in Pakistan’s aviation sector, improve passenger services and help stabilise airfares.

The announcement comes days after the government completed the privatisation of the debt-ridden national carrier, marking a significant shift in Pakistan’s aviation policy.

It is worth mentioning that PIA is set to resume direct flights to London Heathrow from March 29, 2026, ending a six-year suspension of the route.

Initially, PIA will operate four weekly flights to London, with plans to increase frequency in the future to better serve overseas Pakistanis.

Khawaja Asif said the revival of the PIA's London service was the result of sustained efforts by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority to rebuild the airline’s global standing, which had been damaged by an earlier controversial statement from a former aviation minister.

According to international media reports, the PIA has already begun operating three weekly flights to Manchester and is preparing to expand its UK operations.

Pakistan finalised the privatisation of PIA last month on December 23, 2025, when a consortium led by the Arif Habib Group acquired a 75 percent stake for Rs135 billion, valuing the airline at Rs180 billion.

The move marked one of the government’s most ambitious reform efforts in decades, aimed at ending repeated state bailouts and reviving the loss-making carrier, which had accumulated over $2.8 billion in losses.

Norse Atlantic UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Norwegian low-cost airline Norse Atlantic Airways, operates a fleet of Boeing 787 aircraft from London’s Gatwick Airport and began operations in 2023.

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