Asif vows profit revival as PIA resumes UK flights after 5-year ban

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed its flight operations to the United Kingdom (UK) after a break of more than five years, with the first flight taking off from Islamabad to Manchester.

A special ceremony was held at Islamabad International Airport on Saturday to mark the occasion, attended by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, officials from the aviation sector, PIA management, and other notable guests.

Addressing the ceremony, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the suspension of PIA’s operations to the UK had caused considerable financial losses to the government, but the national airline has now regained its operational standards.

He added that the restoration of PIA flights marks an important milestone for Pakistan’s aviation sector, and the commencement of flights to Manchester is a significant new beginning.

Khawaja Asif appreciated the assistance of British High Commissioner Jane Marriott and acknowledged that the airline’s restoration would not have been possible without her constructive cooperation.

He also commended the dedicated efforts of the diplomatic staff who contributed to achieving this goal.

PIA flights to the UK were suspended in July 2020 after concerns emerged over the verification of pilots’ licenses.

Following a gap of about five years and three months, the ban has finally been lifted, enabling PIA to resume operations in British airspace.

Initially, the airline will operate two flights a week from Islamabad to Manchester, scheduled for Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The inaugural flight, operated by a Boeing 777 aircraft, departed at noon carrying 284 passengers on board.

Sources indicated that in the next phase, PIA intends to launch direct flights to London as well.

To commemorate this historic moment, a large portrait of Manchester’s skyline was displayed at Islamabad International Airport, symbolizing the restoration of air connectivity between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.