Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is ready to increase its services to the United Kingdom. The national carrier has announced a new schedule for travelers. Starting March 29, 2026, PIA will begin four weekly flights. These flights will operate directly from Islamabad to London. This is great news for many passengers waiting for direct travel options.
The airline shared the specific days for these operations. The new service will fly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. This schedule provides flexible options for business and leisure travelers. The decision marks a big step in expanding the airline’s network. It aims to serve the large Pakistani community living in the UK. Business travelers will also benefit significantly from these direct routes.
This expansion follows earlier positive news for the airline. PIA flights had already started returning to the skies over the UK. The airline received necessary permissions from regulators earlier this year. Services officially restarted on October 25. The first phase focused on a different city.
In that initial phase, the airline launched flights to Manchester. These direct flights fly from Islamabad two times a week. Passengers can currently travel on Saturdays and Tuesdays. The addition of the London route shows the airline’s commitment to growth. It is slowly rebuilding its international presence.
This growth happens during a time of major change for the company. The ownership structure of the airline has shifted recently. In December 2025, a significant auction took place in Islamabad. A Pakistani group won the bid to buy a large share of the airline. The consortium is led by the Arif Habib Corporation. They acquired a 75% stake in the national carrier.
The privatization process was broadcast on television. It attracted attention from several major business groups. The winning bid was very high. It was reported to be around Rs. 135 billion. This offer beats other strong competitors. Other groups in the race included a consortium led by Lucky Cement. The private airline Airblue also participated in the bidding process.
The new owners are expected to bring fresh strategies. They aim to improve services and reliability. The resumption of PIA flights to major hubs like London is a key part of this strategy. Direct connectivity remains a top priority for passengers. It saves time and makes travel much easier.
Travelers have faced long layovers in recent years. Direct flights remove this hassle completely. The demand for travel between Pakistan and the UK remains very strong. Families want to visit relatives easily. Business owners need quick transport links. The new schedule addresses these needs directly.
As March 2026 approaches, many are booking tickets. The return of PIA flights to London signals a new era. It offers hope for better service standards. Passengers are eager to see how the new management improves their experience. The aviation sector in Pakistan is watching these developments closely.
