In a major breakthrough for Pakistan’s aviation industry, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is officially returning to the United Kingdom skies after a five-year hiatus. The announcement follows the UK government’s decision to lift its flight ban on Pakistani carriers, allowing PIA to resume direct passenger services to Britain. The airline’s first restored route will be a nonstop service between Islamabad and Manchester, set to launch on August 16, 2025.
This move marks a turning point in PIA’s international operations and provides a crucial link for the millions of Pakistani expatriates, students, and business travelers who regularly travel between the UK and Pakistan.
Background: Why the UK Banned PIA in 2020
The UK banned PIA and other Pakistani airlines in mid-2020, shortly after a devastating PIA crash in Karachi claimed 97 lives. Investigations revealed serious irregularities in pilot license verification, triggering international safety concerns. The UK Civil Aviation Authority, along with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), immediately suspended PIA’s authorization to operate flights to Europe and the UK.
However, over the past few years, Pakistan’s aviation authorities — particularly the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) — implemented sweeping reforms, overhauled pilot licensing systems, and improved compliance with international safety protocols. These steps were recognized by both the European Union (which lifted its ban earlier in 2025) and the UK, which has now reinstated operating permissions for Pakistani airlines.
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Route Relaunch: Islamabad to Manchester
PIA will restart its UK operations with a four-times-weekly direct flight between Islamabad International Airport (ISB) and Manchester Airport (MAN)—a major hub in the UK’s north and a city with one of the largest Pakistani diaspora populations in Europe.
Flight Schedule (from August 16, 2025):
- Flight PK701:
Departs Islamabad at 12:05 PM PKT
Arrives in Manchester at 5:00 PM GMT - Flight PK702:
Departs Manchester at 7:00 PM GMT
Arrives in Islamabad at 6:50 AM PKT (next day)
Flights will run on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, operated by a Boeing 777-200ER, PIA’s flagship long-haul aircraft.
Aircraft Details: Boeing 777-200ER
PIA’s Boeing 777-200ER is a long-range wide-body aircraft well-suited for non-stop transcontinental flights. The aircraft is configured with:
- 35 Business Class seats with lie-flat functionality
- 294 Economy Class seats
- Typical range: 13,000+ kilometers
- Onboard services: Pakistani and international meal options, in-flight entertainment (on select aircraft), and ample baggage allowance
The aircraft type is already in use on PIA’s other long-haul routes to Toronto, Paris, and Kuala Lumpur, making Manchester a strategic addition to the airline’s global network.
Why Manchester Matters
Manchester isn’t just another UK city—it is home to one of the largest and most connected British-Pakistani communities, with strong cultural, economic, and familial links to cities in Punjab and Northern Pakistan, especially Islamabad, Mirpur, Sialkot, and Jhelum.
Manchester Airport is the UK’s third-busiest airport, handling over 31 million passengers in 2024 and offering extensive onward connections to Europe and North America.
The direct route eliminates the need for connecting flights via Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, or Amsterdam—making travel more time-efficient and cost-effective for both leisure and business passengers.
PIA’s Operational Comeback
The launch of this route reflects PIA’s gradual recovery from years of regulatory, financial, and operational setbacks. With part of its long-haul fleet now reactivated, the airline is:
- Rebuilding its European and UK network
- Resuming direct connectivity to key international markets
- Enhancing aircraft maintenance and safety protocols
- Preparing for privatization efforts backed by the Pakistani government
The move comes at a time when the national carrier is being restructured for privatization, aiming to attract strategic investors by showcasing operational revival and renewed international access.
Economic & Community Impact
This development offers significant benefits to both Pakistan and the UK.
For Pakistan:
- Boost to international travel and tourism
- Enhanced foreign exchange inflows
- Improved national image following years of aviation-related setbacks
- Job creation in aviation and allied services
For the UK:
- Strengthened diaspora connections with Pakistan
- Easier travel for students, families, and business professionals
- Economic stimulus to cities like Manchester through tourism and trade
What’s Next? More UK Destinations Ahead
While the Islamabad–Manchester route is the first to return, PIA has plans to eventually resume services to London and Birmingham, which were previously central to its UK operations. Expansion will depend on:
- Fleet availability and upgrades
- Performance of the Manchester route
- UK-Pakistan bilateral air service agreements
- Market demand and load factors
Bookings and Travel Advisory
Bookings for the new Manchester service are expected to open soon via PIA’s website, call centers, and travel agencies. Passengers are advised to book early for peak seasons like Eid, summer holidays, and student intake periods. Travelers must comply with updated visa, COVID, and travel requirements from both UK and Pakistani authorities.
Conclusion: A Milestone in Pakistan’s Aviation Comeback
The lifting of the UK ban and the restart of direct PIA flights to Manchester is more than just a route announcement—it’s a symbol of Pakistan’s aviation sector regaining international credibility. It also reaffirms the enduring ties between the UK and Pakistan, driven by generations of shared heritage, economic cooperation, and family connections.
As PIA’s Boeing 777 takes off from Islamabad on August 16, 2025, it carries not just passengers, but the hopes of an industry on the mend and the promise of renewed trust across borders.