PIA to resume London flights from March 29 after six-year pause

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to resume its London operations on March 29 after a gap of nearly six years, marking a significant step in the national carrier’s gradual return to key international routes.

Operations are expected to expand to other UK cities in phases, according to officials.

A PIA spokesperson said the development reflects growing confidence of international regulators in the airline’s safety and compliance standards.“Resumption of London flights is a major milestone for PIA. We are working to further expand our UK network in line with demand and operational capacity,” the spokesperson said.

PIA had already resumed its UK operations in October last year with an inaugural flight to Manchester after British authorities lifted a ban earlier that year. The airline is currently operating four weekly flights to Manchester.

Flight schedule and fares

According to initial plans, PIA is expected to operate three to four weekly flights to London from both Karachi and Islamabad, though the final schedule will depend on slot approvals and demand.

In December, the consortium headed by Arif Habib Group secured a 75% stake in the PIA for PKR 135 billion ($482 million) after several rounds of bidding, valuing the airline at PKR 180 billion ($643 million).

Pakistan had previously attempted to reform the debt-ridden airline, which had accumulated more than $2.8 billion in financial losses over the years. The government has given the consortium a 90-day window to purchase the remaining shares, valued at approximately PKR 45 billion, with the deadline set for the end of April.

The agreement, signed in January, allows a 12-month period to transfer funds, making the acquisition a viable option.

The winning consortium includes Fatima Fertilizer (34.1%), Fauji Fertilizer (33.9%), Lake City (16%), and the City School with AKD (Aqeel Karim Dhedhi) Group (16%). The new management, supported by PKR 125 billion, will have the financial flexibility to implement reforms, with the new board tasked with raising capital for PIA’s rebranding.