Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Saturday restored its flight operation to the United Kingdom today (Saturday) after a hiatus of five years and three months, reported 24NewsHDTV channel
The first PIA flight departed for British city of Manchester from Islamabad and was seen off by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott.
Initially, PIA will operate two weekly flights: one on Tuesday and one on Saturday.
A ceremony was held at the airport before the resumption of the flights, which was attended by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
Addressing the ceremony, Defence Minister Asif said the operation will be extended to Birmingham and London as well. He highlighted the government's intensive efforts for restoring the service which include a complete overhaul of safety procedures, pilot training, licensing, and plane maintenance to align with world-class aviation body standards.
The Defence Minister said these flights will offer affordable and time-saving travel for the approximately 1.4 million overseas Pakistanis residing in the UK and Europe.
He said the government is committed to restore and expand the national flag carrier's global network.
He added that in the years since the British had imposed their ban, Pakistani authorities overhauled pilot training, licensing, aircraft maintenance and safety protocols to meet international standards.
Khawaja Asif reaffirmed the government's resolve to make PIA a profitable institution.
The flight ban was originally imposed on PIA in July 2020, following a statement by the then-aviation minister, Ghulam Sarwar, regarding the credentials of the airline’s pilots.
Earlier, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott welcomed PIA’s return to British skies, calling it a “historic moment” and a positive step toward strengthening bilateral ties.
She said the resumption of direct air links will bring Pakistan and the UK closer, enhancing travel, trade, and tourism opportunities.
UK authorities also appreciated the efforts of the PIA administration, noting that the restored service will provide much-needed convenience to the Pakistani community residing in the UK.
The CEO of PIA conducted a detailed inspection of the arrangements for the upcoming UK operations, including a technical review of a Boeing 777 aircraft at the Asfahani Hangar in Karachi.
Reporter: Tayyab Saif