KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines has officially confirmed the resumption of its direct flight service between Lahore and London starting March 30, 2026, marking another major step in the airline’s expanding operations to the United Kingdom. The move comes shortly after the airline announced an increase in flights to Manchester and the launch of a new Islamabad–London route scheduled to begin on March 29.
According to a spokesperson for the national carrier, PIA is gradually restoring its UK network in response to strong passenger demand from both Pakistan and the Pakistani diaspora living in the United Kingdom. The airline plans to operate up to seven flights per week to the UK by the end of March, with current services already running at full capacity due to high demand.
The restart of Lahore–London flights is particularly significant, as the route has historically been one of PIA’s most popular international services. Alongside this, the airline will operate thrice-weekly flights from Islamabad to London, offering passengers more flexibility and improved connectivity between the two countries. Weekly flights from Lahore to London will complement the expanded Islamabad schedule, strengthening PIA’s presence in the UK market.
PIA’s renewed UK operations come after a prolonged suspension that began in 2020, when flights were halted following a ban imposed by British and European aviation authorities. The ban was introduced after Pakistan launched an investigation into the validity of pilot licences in the aftermath of a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives. Combined with the global Covid-19 pandemic and international travel restrictions, the ban significantly reduced Pakistan–UK air connectivity over the past few years.
The recent revival of these routes is being seen as a key milestone in PIA’s broader recovery strategy. Aviation analysts note that restoring flights to major international destinations like London and Manchester is crucial for rebuilding passenger confidence and stabilising the airline’s revenue streams.
The PIA spokesperson explained that the decision to schedule the Islamabad and Lahore flight restarts on consecutive days was driven by operational readiness and sustained demand. The airline aims to continue expanding its UK operations and has indicated plans to further increase frequencies to other British cities in the future.
Before the suspension, PIA operated more than 22 weekly flights to various UK destinations. The airline has expressed its intention to eventually surpass that figure as market conditions improve and fleet availability increases.
With the resumption of Lahore–London and Islamabad–London routes, PIA is positioning itself to reclaim its role as a leading carrier on the Pakistan–UK corridor. The expansion is expected to provide relief to passengers who have relied on foreign airlines in recent years, while also supporting trade, tourism, and family travel between the two countries.
