ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has marked a significant milestone by resuming direct flights to Manchester, United Kingdom, after a five-year gap. The first flight from Islamabad to Manchester carried 284 passengers, signaling a new chapter in the airline’s operations.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Saturday, Minister of Aviation Khawaja Asif highlighted the extensive measures taken by the government to align with global aviation standards. He stated that pilot training, licensing systems, aircraft maintenance, and safety procedures had all undergone comprehensive reforms to meet the stringent requirements set by international regulatory agencies.
He expressed pride in the achievement, noting that these efforts led to renewed confidence from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which greenlit PIA’s return to key markets.
The minister reassured that the government is steadfast in its goal to transform PIA into a financially sustainable entity that contributes to the national economy rather than draining it.
He added that plans are underway to extend direct flight services to London and Birmingham after Manchester, aiming to revive and broaden PIA’s international network.
Direct air links between Pakistan and airports in northern England had been disrupted since 2020. Previously, PIA operated 21 weekly flights to the UK, including routes to London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
This resumption promises improved connectivity for passengers traveling between Pakistan and the UK or Europe. Initially, PIA plans to conduct four weekly flights on this route, with plans for flights from Birmingham and London to be introduced in subsequent phases.
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