Pakistan High Commission to UK, Dr. Mohammad Faisal made this announcement, on Friday, stating that the PIA geared up to restore its direct flight to UK starting October 20265.
He informed that the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) granted the Foreign Aircraft Operating Permit (FOP), the last permit needed for PIA to resume commercial operations.
Dr. Mohammad Faisal, expressed gratitude to British aviation regulators for their assistance, while mentioning that the airline had already received the Third Country Operator (TCO) certification earlier.
The Wait Is Over!
— Pakistan High Commission London (@PakistaninUK) October 3, 2025
PIA resuming flights to the United Kingdom this month
The Pakistan High Commission in London @PakistaninUK is immensely pleased to announce the resumption of Pakistan International Airlines @Official_PIA flights between Pakistan and the United Kingdom this… pic.twitter.com/Ad3IhIw2jd
PIA will resume operations to Manchester first, while flights to London and Birmingham will be resumed shortly thereafter, states the High Commission. The action is likely to enormously benefit more than 1.7 million Pakistanis residing in the UK by providing them easier and more direct travel opportunities between the two nations.
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In the previous month, PIA stated that it has achieved TCO certification from UK authorities, enabling a complete relaunch of passenger operations. Additionally, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) has given permanent authorization for the cargo operations by PIA from Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi — as valid under the ACC3 aviation security umbrella until August 2030.
PIA flights to the UK and Europe were grounded in July 2020 following the "fake pilot licence scandal." Pakistan was later added to the UK s Air Safety List in 2021. Both countries aviation authorities have since collaborated closely to enhance safety compliance and restore confidence in Pakistan s flag carrier.
