Pakistan aviation sector has received a major boost as Airblue and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have finally been granted permission to restart flights to the United Kingdom after more than five years.
The UK Department for Transport has issued both carriers the Third Country Operator (TCO) licence, a mandatory requirement for all non-European airlines flying into Britain. The decision follows detailed safety audits, signaling renewed international trust in Pakistan’s aviation system.
Airblue Leads the Way
Private airline Airblue will be the first to restart services in November 2025. Its initial flights will connect Islamabad to Leeds via Istanbul, using Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. The airline has also confirmed plans to expand to Manchester and is in talks for possible Heathrow landing rights.
Experts believe Airblue’s early entry is a strategic win, as the airline will capture part of the UK–Pakistan travel market, which has been dominated by foreign carriers since the ban in 2020.
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PIA’s Phased Comeback
National carrier PIA has confirmed a phased return. Direct flights to Manchester are set to begin in October 2025, with routes to Birmingham and London to follow.
PIA has also secured a five-year ACC3 cargo certification, allowing it to transport freight from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad to the UK until 2030. This is expected to boost trade ties and help exporters of textiles, fresh produce, and IT equipment.
A PIA spokesperson called the development a “milestone in the revival of the organisation,” noting that the licence shows international confidence in the airline.
Why Were Pakistani Airlines Banned?
In 2020, the UK and EU banned PIA and other Pakistani carriers after a pilot licensing scandal raised global safety concerns. Since then, travellers relied on Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Etihad for flights between Pakistan and the UK, which is home to one of the largest Pakistani communities abroad.
The return of local airlines is expected to increase competition, improve connectivity, and lower ticket prices for passengers.
FAQs
1. Which Pakistani airlines can now fly to the UK?
Airblue and PIA have both received approval to resume UK flights.
2. When will flights restart?
PIA will relaunch flights in October 2025, while Airblue will start in November 2025.
3. Which UK cities will be served first?
Flights will initially operate to Manchester and Leeds, with later expansion to Birmingham and London.
4. Why were flights suspended for five years?
The ban was imposed in 2020 after a pilot licensing scandal that raised safety issues.
5. How will this benefit Pakistan?
The move will boost trade, improve passenger connectivity, and restore trust in Pakistan’s aviation industry.
