Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced that it will restart direct flights to London in March 2026, marking the end of a six-year suspension on the route. According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the national flag carrier will operate four weekly flights from Islamabad to London starting March 29, 2026.
A PIA spokesperson said the flights will land at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4, describing the move as a major step in expanding the airline’s presence in the United Kingdom. He noted that London holds special significance for PIA, as it was the airline’s first international destination and continues to be one of its most important routes.
Currently, PIA is already operating three weekly flights to Manchester, which were restored earlier as part of a phased return to the UK market. The airline has also indicated plans to further expand services to other British cities, including Birmingham.
PIA’s UK and European operations were suspended in June 2020 after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency banned the airline over safety concerns following a deadly crash near Karachi. The situation was worsened by official statements questioning the validity of pilots’ licences.
After extensive reforms and reviews, the EU lifted its ban in November 2024. In July 2025, the UK removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List, clearing the way for PIA’s return. The resumption of London flights is being seen as a key milestone in the airline’s recovery and international re-engagement.
