KARACHI — In a significant development for Pakistan’s aviation industry, Air Sial has officially applied for approval to begin direct flight operations to the United Kingdom, with proposed routes to London, Manchester, and Birmingham, according to official sources.
The move comes shortly after the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) lifted a five-year suspension on Pakistani carriers, paving the way for them to resume operations in British airspace.
Before Air Sial’s application, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Airblue had already been granted permission to restart flights to the UK. PIA, the national flag carrier, is set to resume its UK operations on October 25, with two weekly flights connecting Islamabad and Manchester marking its return to the route after nearly four years.
Industry experts see Air Sial’s initiative as a promising sign of renewed competition and confidence in Pakistan’s aviation sector. The airline, which began operations in late 2020, has quickly gained recognition for its service quality and domestic network, and the UK expansion marks its first major step toward international operations.
The restoration of UK routes for Pakistani airlines has been hailed as a turning point for the sector, which faced years of challenges following safety and certification concerns. Aviation analysts believe that more Pakistani carriers entering the UK market could not only boost passenger convenience but also enhance the country’s image on the global aviation map.
