Islamabad: The United Kingdom has officially lifted its air safety restrictions on Pakistani airlines, allowing the resumption of direct flights — a significant development welcomed by the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, PIA said it is now preparing to resume its UK operations, starting with direct flights from Islamabad to Manchester. The airline has already filed its flight schedule and is awaiting approval.
The statement hailed the decision as a “testament to PIA’s commitment to international air safety standards,” noting that the removal of the ban by the UK Air Safety Committee was made possible due to the airline’s continued adherence to strict aviation safety protocols.
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Once approved, three weekly flights will be operated in the initial phase.
The PIA management expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, the Ministry of Defence, the Civil Aviation Authority, and the British High Commissioner Jane Marriott for their personal efforts in securing the restoration of operations.
The UK had suspended direct flights of Pakistani airlines in 2020 over safety concerns following a global review of aviation practices.
