Pakistan International Airlines Resumes Direct UK Flights from Islamabad to Manchester After Safety Ban Lifted.

Pakistan International Airlines Resumes Direct UK Flights from Islamabad to Manchester After Safety Ban Lifted

Islamabad, August 6, 2025 – Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to resume direct flights to the United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone after a five-year ban was lifted due to enhanced safety compliance. The airline will relaunch its Islamabad to Manchester route between August 14–16, 2025, with plans to expand services to London and Birmingham in the near future. This development follows rigorous audits and safety improvements by Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), restoring international confidence in PIA’s operations.

Background: The Ban and Its Origins

In June 2020, PIA and other Pakistani carriers were barred from operating in the UK and European Union following a tragic Airbus A320 crash in Karachi on May 22, 2020, which claimed 97 lives. Investigations revealed pilot error as a primary cause, compounded by a scandal involving fraudulent pilot licenses, with nearly one-third of Pakistan’s commercial pilots found to have cheated on licensing exams. This led to the UK’s Air Safety Committee and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) placing Pakistani airlines, including PIA, on their no-fly lists, citing serious safety and oversight deficiencies. The ban resulted in significant financial losses for PIA, estimated at 40 billion rupees ($144 million) annually, as the UK routes to London, Manchester, and Birmingham were among its most profitable.

Lifting of the Ban

The UK lifted its ban on Pakistani airlines on July 16, 2025, following “extensive engagement” between the UK’s Air Safety Committee and the PCAA. The decision was based on an independent evaluation of Pakistan’s aviation systems, focusing on safety oversight, licensing protocols, airworthiness, and compliance with international standards. The British High Commission in Islamabad confirmed Pakistan’s removal from the UK Air Safety List, noting that the move reflects significant reforms by the PCAA. This follows the EU’s decision to lift its ban in November 2024, which allowed PIA to resume flights to Paris on January 10, 2025.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott emphasized the importance of restored air connectivity, stating, “While it will take time for flights to resume, once the logistics are in place, I look forward to using a Pakistani carrier when visiting family and friends.” The decision is expected to strengthen bilateral ties, facilitate family reunions for the 1.6 million people of Pakistani heritage in the UK, and boost trade, with UK-Pakistan trade volumes exceeding £4.7 billion annually.

Flight Resumption Details

PIA has prioritized the Islamabad-Manchester route for its UK relaunch, with flights scheduled to commence between August 14–16, 2025. The airline will operate four weekly flights on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, using its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, which has a capacity of 329 seats (35 Business Class, 294 Economy). Flight PK701 will depart Islamabad International Airport (ISB) at 12:05 PM PKT and arrive at Manchester Airport (MAN) at 5:00 PM GMT. The return flight, PK702, will depart Manchester at 7:00 PM GMT and arrive in Islamabad at 6:50 AM PKT the next day. The route covers 3,326 nautical miles (6,159 km), offering a direct travel option that eliminates the need for layovers in Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai or Doha.

PIA has submitted its proposed schedule to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for operational permits, which are required before flights can officially resume. The airline is finalizing preparations to ensure a smooth relaunch and is expected to open bookings soon. Manchester, with its significant Pakistani diaspora, is a strategic choice for PIA’s initial UK route, addressing long-standing demand for direct connectivity.

Future Expansion Plans

PIA aims to restore additional UK routes, with London Heathrow (LHR) and Birmingham (BHX) as priority destinations. Before the 2020 ban, PIA operated 21 weekly services to the UK, including ten to London (from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot), nine to Manchester (from Islamabad and Lahore), and two to Birmingham (from Islamabad). The airline holds valuable landing slots at Heathrow, which could be reactivated to support its expansion. PIA’s spokesperson, Abdullah Hafeez Khan, indicated that future route additions will depend on operational stability, aircraft availability, and bilateral air traffic agreements. There is also interest in potential connections to Glasgow and Leeds, though no firm commitments have been made.

Beyond the UK, PIA is exploring the resumption of flights to the United States, with New York as a potential destination, pending further safety audits and regulatory approvals. The airline’s ability to restore these long-haul routes is seen as critical for enhancing its financial viability and attractiveness to investors as Pakistan pursues privatization efforts.

Safety and Operational Reforms

The lifting of the UK and EU bans underscores PIA’s commitment to addressing past deficiencies. The PCAA underwent rigorous audits by the UK Department for Transport and EASA, evaluating licensing protocols, airworthiness, flight standards, and overall safety measures. A UK audit conducted from January 27 to February 6, 2025, confirmed Pakistan’s compliance with international standards. PIA has also modernized its operations, with its fleet of 34 aircraft, including six Boeing 777-200ERs and two 777-200LRs, now better positioned for long-haul services. However, the fleet’s average age of over 18 years remains a challenge, and PIA has faced maintenance and regulatory scrutiny in the past.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif attributed the ban to “baseless” remarks by former Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan, whose 2020 statements about pilot licenses damaged PIA’s reputation. Asif emphasized that the resumption of UK routes would enhance PIA’s value ahead of privatization, with Pakistan approving four groups to bid for a 51-100% stake in the airline in July 2025. Recent reforms have led to PIA’s first operating profit in 21 years, signaling a potential turnaround.

Impact and Significance

The resumption of PIA’s UK flights is a major step for Pakistan’s aviation industry and its global reputation. Direct flights will benefit students, families, and business travelers by reducing travel times and costs compared to one-stop routes via Middle Eastern hubs. The move is expected to boost tourism, particularly in Pakistan’s northern regions, and support economic opportunities. Industry analysts anticipate that PIA’s return to the UK could challenge Middle Eastern carriers, which currently dominate 60% of Pakistan’s international aviation market, while PIA holds a 23% domestic share.

For travelers, the relaunched Islamabad-Manchester route offers a convenient alternative to British Airways’ twice-weekly London Gatwick-Islamabad service, the only current direct UK-Pakistan link. PIA’s competitive fares and direct connectivity are likely to attract the Pakistani diaspora and other passengers. Travelers are advised to monitor PIA’s official website for booking updates and to book early for the inaugural flights.

Conclusion

PIA’s return to the UK skies after a five-year hiatus marks a significant achievement for Pakistan’s aviation sector. With the Islamabad-Manchester route set to launch between August 14–16, 2025, and plans for further expansion, PIA is poised to reclaim its position as a key player in long-haul travel. The lifting of the ban reflects Pakistan’s dedication to safety and regulatory compliance, paving the way for enhanced connectivity and economic benefits for both nations.

Note: For the latest booking information and flight schedules, visit PIA’s official website or contact their customer service.