PIA has secured a major breakthrough with approval from the UK Department of Transport to resume direct flights. The clearance allows Pakistan International Airlines to operate as a third-country operator, reopening a vital air link between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
According to a PIA spokesperson, the national carrier will begin direct flights to Manchester in October. In the next phase, PIA will expand its operations to Birmingham and London, increasing connectivity with major British cities.
The airline confirmed that it will transport both passengers and cargo. This expansion is expected to boost commercial activities between Pakistan and the UK. Cargo services will be available from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, strengthening trade opportunities alongside passenger travel.
The UK Department of Transport has also issued PIA a five-year ACC3 certificate for cargo and security operations, valid until 2030. This certification came after a thorough audit carried out with the support of Pakistan Civil Aviation and UK inspection teams. Following the audit, PIA was formally informed of the approval on Tuesday.
The development is seen as a strong vote of confidence in PIA’s operational standards and international reputation. The airline has faced challenges in recent years but continues to push forward with efforts to rebuild its standing and expand globally.
The PIA CEO thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and other government institutions for their support in securing this milestone. He called the clearance a “milestone in the revival of the organization” and a sign of growing international trust.
With this approval, PIA is set to restore its presence in one of the most important markets for Pakistani travelers. The resumption of flights will also bring relief to thousands of passengers who rely on direct connections between the two countries.
In other related news also read PIA Restarts Gulf Flights After Israel-Iran Ceasefire
