UK opens skies for PIA passengers and cargo services
Direct PIA flights and cargo services to UK start next month: UK Transport Department issues 5-year security approval to PIA
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has finally received formal approval to resume direct passenger and cargo operations to the United Kingdom (UK), with flights set to begin next month, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday.
According to details, PIA has been officially granted the Third Country Operator (TCO) authorisation, along with the ACC3 cargo licence.
In the first phase, PIA flights will be launched to Manchester, followed by Birmingham and London being added to the network.
The UK Department for Transport formally informed PIA yesterday about its comprehensive and multifaceted approval. Under this arrangement, the airline will now be able to operate direct flights, carrying both passengers and cargo till 2030.
In addition, the British authorities have also issued PIA the ACC3 certification for security and cargo operations, valid for five years.
A PIA spokesperson described these certifications, issued by leading international aviation authorities, as a clear reflection of global trust in the airline’s operational safety and airworthiness.
#PIA gets TCO Certification from #UK. Plan to resume UK operations by next month.
— PIA (@Official_PIA) September 24, 2025
CEO PIA thanks @PakPMO, @MIshaqDar50, @KhawajaMAsif, Ministry of Defence, @official_pcaa & other affiliated institutions for their patronage and unwavering support.
PIA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Ministry of Defence, and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for their continued support.
He also extended thanks to the PIA team, acknowledging their perseverance in facing multiple audits over the past five years and achieving this success.
With this milestone, PIA is now positioned to carry both passengers and cargo between Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and major British cities, with operations expected to expand until 2030.
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, along with British inspection teams, had previously conducted on-site audits of PIA operations as part of the approval process.
Reporters: Ashraf Khan and Tayyab Saif