Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has failed to obtain the Third Country Operator (TCO) license required to launch direct flights from Pakistan to the United Kingdom, while private airline Airblue has successfully secured the permit.
According to reports, the UK’s Department for Transport (DFT) has granted Airblue the license, enabling it to operate flights between Pakistan and the UK. This development highlights PIA’s ongoing struggles, as the national carrier has officially confirmed its inability to acquire the approval.
Sources indicate that PIA is currently facing a shortage of aircraft, further delaying its plans to resume UK operations. Meanwhile, Airblue is preparing to serve the route using Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, with scheduled refueling stops in Turkey before flying onward to the UK.
The approval marks a significant achievement for Airblue, as it expands its international presence at a time when Pakistan’s flag carrier continues to face operational and regulatory setbacks.
In another achievement, Airblue Adds UAE-Pakistan Flights for Eid Travelers
