PIA Resumes London Flights Starting March 2026 After 6-Year Ban
Date: December 30, 2025 Category: Aviation / Business
Introduction Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially confirmed a major development. The national airline will resume direct flights to the United Kingdom. Operations restart on March 29, 2026. This comes after a long hiatus of nearly six years. Consequently, this news brings relief to the Pakistani diaspora. Travelers have faced high fares since 2020. Additionally, they have endured long layovers.
The New Operational Plan
The airline has secured important slots. specifically, PIA will operate from London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4. Initially, the service will offer four weekly flights. Furthermore, the airline will use its Boeing 777 fleet. These aircraft have recently undergone cabin refurbishments. This upgrade is part of the privatization deal requirements.
A Long Road to Recovery
The suspension of flights began in June 2020. This happened after a controversial pilot licensing scandal. As a result, the European Union and the UK banned PIA. This ban was a crippling blow. Consequently, it cost the airline billions in lost revenue.
However, the turnaround began in late 2024. The EASA lifted its ban after a safety audit. subsequently, the UK removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List in July 2025. Finally, operational readiness took a few more months.
Privatization Success
This resumption is a major success story. It is the first win under PIA’s new ownership. In late 2025, a consortium bought a 75% stake. Led by the Arif Habib Corporation, they paid Rs135 billion. Moreover, they have pledged to expand the fleet. They aim to restore PIA to its former glory.
What Lies Ahead?
PIA management is now looking forward. With the UK market secured, they are eyeing North America. specifically, direct flights to Toronto and New York are in the plans. Hopefully, these will launch by late 2026. However, this depends on security clearances.
