PTBP Web Desk
After a five-year hiatus, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the resumption of direct flights from Islamabad to Manchester, with the first flight scheduled to land at Manchester Airport on October 25. The move marks a major milestone in restoring Pakistan’s aviation connectivity with northern UK regions and strengthening ties between the two nations.
According to the airline, direct flights between Islamabad and Manchester can now be booked through PIA’s official website or partner agencies, with fares starting from £633 (Rs236,914). The national carrier plans to operate four weekly flights on this route initially, with Birmingham and London flights expected to follow in the next operational phase.
This announcement comes as a relief to thousands of Pakistani expatriates residing in Manchester, Birmingham, and other northern UK cities, who have long awaited the restoration of a direct travel option since 2020, when PIA’s flights were suspended due to air safety concerns.
The resumption of flights follows the United Kingdom’s decision on July 16 to remove PIA from its Air Safety List, paving the way for the airline’s return to UK airspace.
PIA confirmed that the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) decision was based on extensive technical audits and verifiable improvements in aviation safety standards. The review covered pilot licensing, aircraft maintenance, and safety management systems, confirming that PIA now meets stringent international aviation requirements.
This development underscores UK aviation authorities’ renewed confidence in PIA’s commitment to ensuring safe and reliable air travel.
Air Vice-Marshal Muhammad Amir Hayat, the Chief Executive Officer of PIA, described the airline’s return to Manchester as a “moment of immense pride and profound significance for Pakistan.”
He added, “We have worked tirelessly to not only rectify past challenges but to establish a world-class aviation safety framework. The return of PIA to the UK is the result of continuous efforts to restore operational integrity and financial stability, ensuring reliable and affordable services for our passengers.”
Hayat also highlighted that the five-year suspension served as a turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector, prompting major reforms in safety oversight, pilot training, and maintenance standards.
The High Commissioner of Pakistan to the UK, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, praised the resumption of direct flights, emphasizing its wider diplomatic and socio-economic impact.
“The re-establishment of direct air links is a powerful symbol of our enduring friendship and deepening partnership with the United Kingdom,” said Dr. Faisal. “This will unlock immense opportunities for families, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between our nations.”
He added that the Manchester route would particularly benefit the Pakistani diaspora in northern England, enabling easier travel and stronger family connections.
Aviation experts believe that PIA’s return to Manchester will not only enhance connectivity but also contribute to economic growth by boosting tourism, business travel, and trade between Pakistan and the UK.
Manchester, home to a large Pakistani community, serves as a key hub for students, professionals, and traders who frequently travel between the two countries. Direct flights are expected to reduce travel time and costs, improving accessibility for both leisure and business travelers.
The initiative also aligns with Pakistan’s broader goal of strengthening international aviation partnerships and expanding PIA’s global network.
