London lauds Pakistan’s improved aviation safety; Islamabad-Manchester flights to resume soon
ISLAMABAD – July 17, 2025:
In a landmark development, the United Kingdom has lifted its five-year-long ban on Pakistani airlines, paving the way for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to once again operate direct flights to British destinations — beginning with Manchester.
The move follows sustained improvements in aviation safety protocols by Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority and marks a major breakthrough for the national flag carrier, which had been grounded from UK airspace since 2020 following the pilot licence scandal triggered by the Karachi plane crash that claimed 97 lives.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, welcomed the decision, stating that it was the result of close cooperation between aviation experts from both countries.
“I’m grateful for the technical teams in the UK and Pakistan who’ve worked together to bring safety standards in line with international expectations. While there’s still some work ahead in terms of logistics, I look forward to flying on a Pakistani carrier to visit friends and family,” she said.
The lifting of the ban is being hailed as a major relief for over 1.6 million British Pakistanis, many of whom rely on direct air links between the two countries. It’s also seen as a timely boost to bilateral trade — currently valued at £4.7 billion — as well as tourism and cultural exchange.
PIA, which was the only Pakistani airline operating long-haul flights to the UK and EU before the ban, had previously estimated annual losses of up to Rs40 billion ($144 million) due to the suspension. The airline holds valuable landing slots at major UK airports — including London Heathrow — and considers routes like London, Birmingham, and Manchester among its most profitable.
According to a PIA spokesperson, the airline has submitted a proposed schedule and is gearing up to restart operations “as soon as possible.”
“Our initial focus will be on the Islamabad to Manchester route, with three weekly flights planned, subject to regulatory approvals,” the spokesperson confirmed.
The timing of the UK’s decision is especially critical as Pakistan moves ahead with plans to privatise PIA. Earlier this month, the government shortlisted four groups to bid for a 51–100% stake in the airline, with final offers expected later this year. The move is part of a broader IMF-backed effort to overhaul loss-making state-owned enterprises.
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who oversees the Aviation Division, said the resumption of international routes would enhance PIA’s market value ahead of privatisation.
He also hinted at plans to seek an operating license for direct flights to New York, noting that PIA’s credibility is slowly being rebuilt.
Speaking at a press conference, Asif didn’t hold back in blaming former PTI Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan for the 2020 crisis.
“His careless remarks inflicted long-lasting damage on PIA and our national image,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the UK’s decision as a “positive and timely development,” adding that it would not only improve Pakistan’s global standing but also ease travel for overseas Pakistanis and international visitors alike.
“This breakthrough will open new doors for tourism, trade, and diaspora connectivity,” he said during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The premier also lauded the efforts of the Defence Minister and Aviation Division, calling the restoration of flights a “significant diplomatic and operational success.” As Pakistan’s skies reopen to the UK, there is renewed optimism that the national carrier — once a symbol of pride — may yet find its wings again
