Post by : Rameen Ariff

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially restarted its direct flights to the UK as of Saturday, bringing an end to a five-year hiatus attributed to safety concerns within the aviation sector. This pivotal moment signifies PIA's ongoing efforts to recover its credibility and enhance its international reputation.

The UK's ban on PIA flights, enacted in June 2020, followed a devastating Airbus A320 crash in Karachi that resulted in almost 100 fatalities. This incident, linked to human error, led to flight bans from the UK, EU, and US. Since then, PIA has taken substantial steps to improve pilot training, licensing protocols, aircraft maintenance, and safety measures to align with global standards.

Restrictions on Pakistani airlines were lifted by the UK in July 2025 after a thorough assessment confirmed that PIA's safety practices met necessary international criteria. Currently, PIA offers a twice-weekly service between Islamabad and Manchester, with intentions to broaden operations to include London and Birmingham.

At a press event held at Islamabad International Airport, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif hailed the flight resumption as a significant success for PIA, emphasizing the airline’s relentless efforts to overcome previous hurdles.

Additionally, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) revoked its ban on PIA in November 2024, permitting the airline to resume flights to Paris earlier this year, further underlining increasing trust in PIA's upgraded safety and operational standards.

Founded in 1955, PIA was once celebrated as a national emblem. However, over the years, it faced significant challenges including financial strains, management issues, and regulatory complications, which tarnished its reputation. Although the government has committed to privatizing PIA, earlier negotiations collapsed due to disagreements over valuations.

The reinstatement of PIA's flights to the UK not only re-establishes crucial international connectivity but also serves as a testament to the airline's dedication to upholding safety, professionalism, and global aviation benchmarks.

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