Islamabad, July 2025 – In a long-awaited development, the United Kingdom has officially lifted its five-year ban on Pakistani airlines, allowing national carriers to once again operate direct flights to UK destinations.
The restriction, initially imposed in 2020 due to concerns over pilot license verification, has been removed following significant aviation safety reforms by Pakistani authorities, according to a statement by the British High Commission.
This policy shift aligns with the European Union’s recent decision to restore operations for Pakistani carriers, marking a strong international endorsement of Pakistan’s regulatory improvements.
Return to the Skies
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the country’s flagship carrier, has already submitted its proposed schedule and is gearing up to launch its first UK-bound route:
→ Islamabad to Manchester with three flights per week (pending final approval).
PIA had previously suffered an estimated loss of Rs 40 billion annually due to the suspension of UK and EU operations. With key landing slots at London Heathrow still intact, the airline is now set to regain one of its most profitable markets.
Looking Ahead: Privatisation & Global Routes
This development is especially significant as the government pushes ahead with PIA’s privatisation, having shortlisted four groups to bid for a 51-100% stake. The airline recently reported its first operating profit in over two decades, buoyed by operational reforms and route optimizations.
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated that the return of international routes—especially to Europe and potentially New York—could enhance PIA’s valuation and investor appeal under the broader IMF-supported restructuring plan.
A Turnaround in the Making
With renewed global access, reformed safety protocols, and an emerging digital infrastructure, Pakistan’s aviation sector appears poised for a strong comeback. The lifting of the UK ban not only restores global travel options for Pakistani citizens but also adds momentum to national economic reforms.
