Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to resume direct flights to the United Kingdom (UK) after Eidul Fitr, marking a significant step in restoring its international operations. The announcement was made by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, during an Iftar dinner in London attended by journalists and social media influencers.
In the first phase, PIA will reinstate flights from London and Manchester to Pakistan, with efforts underway to include Birmingham in the near future. To commemorate the occasion, a special inauguration ceremony will be held, with media representatives invited to cover the event.
Lifting of the European Ban
PIA’s return to UK skies follows the lifting of a four-and-a-half-year European Union (EU) ban. The airline resumed its European operations on January 10, 2025, with a direct flight to Paris. The ban was originally imposed in June 2020 after a tragic PIA plane crash in Karachi that claimed 97 lives. The situation worsened when the then-Aviation Minister revealed in Parliament that a significant number of PIA pilots had been hired with fake licenses, leading to serious safety concerns. Following extensive regulatory improvements and compliance with international aviation standards, the EU lifted its suspension, allowing PIA to restart flights to Europe and now to the UK.
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UK Safety Inspection and Approval Process
Ahead of the flight resumption, a delegation from the UK’s Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority conducted a safety audit of Pakistan’s aviation sector. The team examined operational procedures, safety protocols, and relevant documentation. Their review played a crucial role in clearing PIA for a return to UK routes.
Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had informed the Senate that direct flights to the UK were likely to resume soon. The government had been working on meeting regulatory requirements to ensure a smooth return to British airspace.
Financial Impact of the Ban
The EU and UK flight bans inflicted severe financial losses on PIA, reportedly amounting to nearly $150 million per year. The suspension of direct European flights forced Pakistani travelers to use connecting flights through the Middle East or Turkey, causing inconvenience and additional costs. With the resumption of services, PIA hopes to regain passenger confidence and recover lost revenue.
PIA’s Privatization Plans
Meanwhile, the process of privatizing PIA has gained momentum, with significant interest from major business groups. According to sources, the Arif Habib Group, Taba Group, and YB Holdings have shown interest in acquiring the national airline. Meetings have already taken place in Islamabad to discuss potential terms and conditions.
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The government has assured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that PIA will be privatized by July 2025. However, concerns remain about past failures in privatization attempts, including an unsuccessful bid where a real estate developer was the sole bidder, offering a price far below expectations. Additionally, the future of PIA’s Roosevelt Hotel in New York remains uncertain after the US decided to terminate a $228 million lease deal prematurely.