Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume flights to the United Kingdom after Eidul Fitr. Dr. Muhammad Faisal, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, shared this news at an iftar dinner in London.
Initially, PIA will restart services in London and Manchester and move to Pakistan. Dr. Faisal also hinted at plans to include Birmingham soon.
The High Commissioner promised a grand opening ceremony for the resumption of PIA UK flights and invited media representatives to cover the milestone event. Dr. Faisal stressed that this decision stands apart from past aircraft landing issues and reflects Pakistan’s push to strengthen aviation ties with the UK after a long break in direct flights.
PIA restarted its European journey on January 10, 2025, with a flight to Paris. This came after a four-and-a-half-year ban by the European Union. The EU had halted PIA’s operations in June 2020 following a deadly Karachi crash. The situation escalated when Pakistan’s then-Aviation Minister revealed that some pilots held fake licenses, sparking safety fears. After rigorous safety upgrades, the EU lifted the ban, clearing PIA for European skies.
Read: Pakistan Assures IMF of PIA Sale by July, Roosevelt Hotel Fate Unclear
The Pakistani government plans to sell PIA by July 2025, as promised to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Privatisation Ministry updated the IMF on this timeline, targeting the sale of the struggling airline. Meanwhile, the fate of PIA’s Roosevelt Hotel in New York remains unclear. The US recently canceled a $228 million lease deal for the property ahead of schedule.
An earlier attempt to privatize PIA flopped due to a flawed process. A real estate developer emerged as the only bidder, offering just Rs10 billion far below the Rs85 billion minimum. Sources say the government is now assessing market interest. It aims to issue an Expression of Interest to attract investors by the end of the month.
With UK flights resuming and privatization looming, PIA stands at a crossroads. The airline’s return to Europe signals progress, but its financial future hinges on a successful sale. For now, passengers can look forward to renewed UK connections.
