KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the resumption of its Islamabad–London flight operations, ending a six-year suspension, with services set to restart on March 29, 2026.
According to an airline spokesperson, PIA will initially operate four flights per week on the Islamabad–London route. The services will land at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4, which is equipped with modern passenger handling and operational facilities.
The return of direct London flights is expected to significantly enhance travel convenience for passengers, particularly those currently relying on the airline’s three weekly flights to Manchester. The expanded UK connectivity marks a key step in rebuilding PIA’s international network.
Heathrow Slots Secured Ahead of Relaunch
Sources familiar with the development said PIA recently secured approval for four weekly slots at Heathrow Airport. These slots had previously been assigned to Turkish Airlines under a temporary arrangement to prevent their lapse while PIA’s UK operations were suspended.
With regulatory restrictions gradually easing, the airline has now formally notified Heathrow authorities of its intention to resume London services from March 2026.
Privatisation Fuels Expansion Plans
The announcement comes amid renewed momentum following PIA’s privatisation, under which a 75% stake in the airline was acquired by a consortium led by the Arif Habib Corporation for Rs135 billion.
The new owners have outlined plans to expand the airline’s fleet to 64 aircraft in phases, aiming to strengthen both domestic and international operations. Adding to the consortium’s strength, Fauji Fertiliser Company Limited has joined as a strategic partner, contributing financial backing, corporate expertise, and participation in the airline’s management structure.
Industry observers see the resumption of London flights as a significant milestone for PIA’s UK operations and a signal of renewed confidence in the national carrier’s future direction.
