PIA Resumes Direct Flights to the UK After Five Years: Islamabad to Manchester Starts October 25
Published on
October 4, 2025
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to resume its flights to the United Kingdom after a five-year break. This highly anticipated development has been welcomed by many, especially those who have been relying on connecting flights to reach British destinations. Starting on October 25, 2025, PIA will restart its UK operations with a new schedule, beginning with flights from Islamabad to Manchester.
The Resumption of UK Operations
PIA’s return to the UK market comes after a long pause, and it is a welcome move for thousands of passengers who have had to use alternative routes in recent years. The first phase of PIA’s UK services will involve two weekly flights between Islamabad and Manchester. The service will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with flights departing from Islamabad at 12:00 PM and arriving in Manchester at 5:00 PM local time. The return flight from Manchester to Islamabad will leave at 7:00 PM and is expected to land in Islamabad at 7:00 AM the following day.
This marks a significant change for travelers, who will now be able to enjoy direct flights between Islamabad and Manchester, eliminating the need for long and tiresome stopovers. The new schedule promises not only convenience but also a substantial reduction in travel time, with direct flights replacing what used to be a 15-hour journey with multiple layovers.
Regulatory Approvals Pave the Way for Resumption
The resumption of flights is the culmination of a series of regulatory approvals. A key development that enabled PIA to restart its services was the issuance of the Foreign Aircraft Operating Permit (FOP) by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. This permit was the final document required for PIA to resume operations to the UK. Alongside this, PIA also secured the Third Country Operator (TCO) approval, allowing the airline to carry both passengers and cargo directly to the UK.
These regulatory approvals followed the lifting of restrictions on Pakistani carriers by the UK’s Air Safety Committee in July 2025. The committee had placed these restrictions in place previously, but after reviewing and confirming improvements in Pakistan’s air safety standards, they lifted the ban, clearing the way for PIA’s return to UK skies.
Future Expansion Plans for UK Routes
While the initial phase of the resumption will focus on the Islamabad-Manchester route, PIA has ambitious plans for the future. Once this route is fully operational, the airline intends to add flights to Birmingham and London as part of the second phase of its UK operations. This expansion is expected to strengthen PIA’s presence in the UK, making it easier for passengers traveling between Pakistan and the UK to reach their destinations with fewer stops and shorter flight times.
Before the suspension of operations in 2020, PIA had a strong presence in the UK market, operating 21 weekly flights to various destinations. The airline had 10 flights to London, nine to Manchester, and two to Birmingham. The resumption of services and the planned expansion are expected to improve connectivity between Pakistan and the UK, benefiting not only those traveling directly between the two countries but also passengers who need to connect to other European destinations.
PIA’s Efforts to Restore Confidence
For many expatriates and frequent travelers, the resumption of PIA services is a significant step in restoring confidence in the airline. After years of relying on connecting flights, passengers will now be able to travel between Pakistan and the UK with greater ease and comfort. PIA is expected to continue improving its services and offering competitive fares in a bid to restore its reputation, which had been somewhat affected by challenges in the past.
The airline has made substantial efforts to enhance its offerings, with a focus on smoother journeys and improved services for passengers. These efforts are expected to be a crucial factor in winning back the trust of travelers who had previously turned to other carriers for their flights between Pakistan and the UK.
A New Chapter for PIA and Its Passengers
The resumption of direct flights between Islamabad and Manchester is just the beginning of what is hoped to be a new chapter for PIA and its passengers. The airline’s renewed presence in the UK market is poised to benefit both Pakistani travelers and the broader diaspora, who have long awaited the return of direct services.
With the potential addition of flights to Birmingham and London in the coming months, PIA’s network expansion will make travel to and from the UK more accessible and convenient. Moreover, this development is expected to bring economic benefits to both countries, as it strengthens the connections between the UK and Pakistan, facilitating travel for business, tourism, and family visits.
Conclusion
PIA’s announcement to resume flights to the UK is a significant milestone for both the airline and its passengers. After a five-year hiatus, travelers can look forward to the return of direct flights, starting with the Islamabad-Manchester route. The addition of more UK destinations, including Birmingham and London, is set to further enhance connectivity, making travel between Pakistan and the UK easier than ever before. With the airline’s ongoing efforts to improve services and restore passenger confidence, PIA’s return is expected to be a positive development for the airline industry and its customers alike.
