PIA returns to London with Heathrow flights after six-year hiatus

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed direct flights to Heathrow Airport, marking its return to the UK capital after a six-year suspension and restoring a key air link between Pakistan and Britain.

The relaunch began with flight PK-785 from Islamabad, which departed on Sunday to strong demand, with all seats sold out. The airline will now operate three weekly flights from Islamabad and one from Lahore, offering faster and more convenient connections for passengers travelling between the two countries.

The restart follows regulatory clearance granted in 2025, enabling PIA to progressively rebuild its UK network. Services to Manchester and Birmingham were reinstated earlier, with London now completing the carrier’s return to its most important European market.

The move is expected to strengthen business, tourism and diaspora ties, particularly for the large UK-based Pakistani community. Flight times of around eight hours from Lahore and onboard offerings such as generous baggage allowances and full-service hospitality aim to position the airline competitively on the route.

The relaunch comes amid a broader restructuring of the airline following its partial privatisation, with a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation acquiring a 75% stake. The new owners have outlined plans to expand the fleet to 64 aircraft and modernise operations as part of a wider strategy to rebuild PIA’s international presence.

With Heathrow services restored, PIA is re-establishing a critical corridor between Pakistan and the UK, signalling a renewed push into long-haul markets.