Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially announced the resumption of its flight operations to the United Kingdom, beginning October 25. The move is being welcomed by overseas Pakistanis who have long awaited the national carrier’s return to the British market. According to a statement by the PIA spokesperson, the airline will initially operate two weekly flights from Islamabad to Manchester, scheduled for Saturdays and Tuesdays. 

The flight from Islamabad will depart at 12 noon and arrive in Manchester at 5pm local time. On the return leg, the Manchester flight will depart at 7pm and land in Islamabad at 7am.PIA officials confirmed that the number of weekly flights to Manchester will gradually be increased to meet rising demand. In the second phase, the airline plans to expand its UK operations further by introducing direct flights to London.

The airline management described the announcement as a “welcome development” for Pakistanis living in Britain, who have been relying on foreign carriers since PIA’s services to the UK were suspended. Last month, PIA) achieved a major breakthrough after being granted approval by the UK Department of Transport as a third country operator, paving the way for the resumption of direct flights to Britain from next month. PIA will not only provide passenger flights but also cargo transport services, boosting commercial activity between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)