PIA to start flight operations for UK soon

Administration of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) fully prepared to start flight operations for United Kingdom (UK) after a period of four and half years, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Negotiations are underway with the UK Department for Transport, and flights to the UK are expected to resume by June 2025, according to an official document.

One flight will be operated from Islamabad to Manchester. A Boeing 777 will be used for flight operation.

The final preparations on Britain’s airport in this regard are currently underway.

The management of Pakistan International Airlines is optimistic that a meeting which will be held on March 15 PIA will be granted final permission to start UK flight operations.

PIA's market share declined, $600 million loss

A document highlights the severe financial losses suffered by PIA, attributing a $600 million loss to a statement made by a minister in the PTI era. The minister had alleged that PIA pilots held fake degrees and suspicious licenses, leading to the European Union (EU) and UK suspending PIA operations.

As a result, the US FAA also downgraded Pakistan's safety rating, causing 150 PIA pilots to be grounded and Pakistani pilots working abroad to face professional and financial hardships.

PIA’s market share plummeted from 50% to 20%, while Gulf and UAE airlines gained a larger share due to additional facilities granted under bilateral agreements. The national carrier's liabilities have surged to Rs740 billion, covering supplier payments, fuel charges, and government-backed loans.

Reporter: Saeed Ahmad Saeed