Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Sunday resumed its London flight operations after a six-year gap, restoring a long-standing route between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The airline’s PK-785 flight departed from Islamabad to the UK’s capital carrying 325 passengers, marking the return of the national flag carrier to one of its most significant international destinations.
ISLAMABAD – In a milestone moment for Pakistan’s aviation sector, PIA’s Islamabad-to-London flight took off Sunday, reestablishing a connection that has been absent since the airline was barred from UK airspace in 2020. The flight was seen off by Defence Secretary Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Ali and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott at a ceremony held at Islamabad airport.
The resumption of London flights represents the culmination of years of regulatory and safety improvements following a period of intense scrutiny after the 2020 Karachi crash and subsequent licensing controversies.
A Ceremonial Departure
A simple but dignified ceremony was held at Islamabad airport before departure, attended by PIA Consortium Chairman Arif Habib and senior aviation officials. A cake was cut to mark the occasion, while a raffle draw was held in which a 660cc car was awarded to a passenger. Other passengers were also presented with gifts.
Addressing the ceremony, the Defence Secretary said the resumption of flights would further strengthen ties between the two countries and their people. The British High Commissioner congratulated the national flag carrier on restoring its London operations.
Later, the flight safely landed at Heathrow Airport, marking the completion of the first scheduled London service in six years.
Expanding Operations
PIA said it aims to provide direct travel facilities to more than 1.6 million Pakistanis residing in the UK. The airline will begin weekly flights from Lahore to London starting March 30. Initially, PIA will operate four weekly flights between Pakistan and London: three from Islamabad and one from Lahore.
London holds special significance for PIA—it was the airline’s first international destination, and the national carrier has a 71-year-old association with the route. The restoration of the service is seen as a vital step in reconnecting the large Pakistani diaspora in the UK with their homeland.
The Six-Year Hiatus
PIA was barred from flying to the UK in June 2020, a month after one of its aircraft plunged into a Karachi street, killing 97 people. The disaster was attributed to human error by the pilots and air traffic control, followed by allegations that nearly a third of its pilots’ licences were fake or dubious.
The scandal prompted a sweeping investigation and major reforms within Pakistan’s aviation sector. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority imposed bans on Pakistani airlines, citing safety concerns.
The Path to Restoration
On July 16, 2025, Britain lifted a five-year ban on Pakistani airlines, allowing them to apply to resume flights to and from the UK. The decision followed a review by the UK Air Safety Committee, which determined that aviation safety improvements in Pakistan had reached the required standards.
Last year, the airline resumed flights to Manchester in the first phase of its UK return. At the time, PIA had said it planned to extend operations to Birmingham and London as well. With Sunday’s flight to London, that plan has now been realized.
Regulatory Improvements
Pakistan’s aviation sector underwent significant reforms following the 2020 crash and licensing scandal. The government launched investigations, overhauled regulatory oversight, and implemented new safety protocols to address the deficiencies identified by international aviation authorities.
The lifting of the UK ban was seen as validation of these efforts, though the airline continues to face challenges, including an ongoing ban by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency that remains in place.
Economic and Cultural Significance
For the Pakistani diaspora in the UK—one of the largest overseas Pakistani communities—the resumption of PIA flights to London offers an additional travel option and a direct connection to home. The airline’s return to the route is expected to boost competition on a corridor that has been served primarily by British carriers and Gulf airlines during PIA’s absence.
The restoration of the London route also carries symbolic weight for PIA, which has struggled financially and reputationally in recent years. The airline’s 71-year association with London represents a link to its history as one of the world’s pioneering carriers in long-haul aviation.
Looking Ahead
With London flights now operating, PIA will focus on maintaining safety standards and service quality to ensure the sustainability of its UK operations. The airline has indicated it may expand further if demand justifies additional frequencies or destinations.
The successful resumption of flights to London marks a turning point for PIA after years of challenges. For the millions of Pakistanis who have longed for a direct connection to London aboard their national carrier, Sunday’s flight was a moment to celebrate—and a sign that the airline is slowly rebuilding its place in international aviation.
