Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed flights to the United Kingdom after a five-year suspension that followed the 2020 fake pilot license controversy. The airline will relaunch its Islamabad–Manchester route, with plans to expand services to other major British cities in the coming months.
The UK ban, imposed after a safety investigation into the 2020 Karachi plane crash that killed 97 people, was lifted in July 2025. Pakistan’s aviation authorities have since implemented strict reforms to address licensing irregularities and improve safety oversight.
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PIA officials described the move as a milestone in restoring global confidence in the national carrier. The resumption of flights is also seen as a key step toward stabilizing operations and supporting the airline’s ongoing privatization and modernization efforts.
Aviation experts believe the return to UK skies will help PIA regain its international reputation and open new opportunities for Pakistani travelers and businesses seeking reliable air connectivity with Europe.
