Pakistan aviation industry has achieved a major breakthrough as Airblue and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have been granted clearance to restart flights to the United Kingdom after a suspension of more than five years.
The UK Department for Transport has issued both airlines the Third Country Operator (TCO) licence, a mandatory requirement for non-European carriers to operate flights to Britain. The clearance came after detailed audits of Pakistan’s aviation safety standards, signaling renewed international confidence in the country’s aviation sector.
Airblue Gets a Head Start
Private airline Airblue will be the first to return, with services starting in November 2025. Its opening route will connect Islamabad and Leeds via Istanbul, using Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. The airline also plans to expand to Manchester soon and is in talks to gain rights for London Heathrow, the UK’s busiest hub.
Aviation experts say Airblue’s early entry is a strategic move, especially after Britain lifted its aviation ban in July. This allows the airline to quickly tap into the growing Pakistan–UK travel market, which has been dominated by Middle Eastern and European carriers in recent years.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DPBkKPvjaw7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=cDdodGl1eHlocmd0
PIA Resumes Direct Flights to UK, Easing Travel for Passengers
PIA’s Phased Return
After months of uncertainty, PIA has also confirmed its comeback. The national carrier will restart direct flights to Manchester in October, followed by routes to Birmingham and London in later phases.
PIA has additionally secured a five-year ACC3 cargo certification, valid until 2030, enabling it to carry freight from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad to the UK. This step is expected to strengthen trade ties, particularly for exports like textiles, fresh produce, and IT equipment.
A PIA spokesperson described the development as a “milestone in the revival of the organisation,” highlighting that the clearance shows renewed trust in PIA’s operations.
Background: Why the Ban?
In 2020, UK and EU regulators banned PIA and other Pakistani airlines after a pilot licensing scandal raised serious safety concerns. This left passengers dependent on foreign carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines for connections between Pakistan and Britain, home to one of the largest Pakistani communities abroad.
The return of Pakistani airlines is expected to improve competition, connectivity, and ticket pricing, benefiting thousands of passengers.
Economic Impact
Industry analysts believe the decision will have a strong economic impact. Along with passenger services, the resumption of cargo operations will boost Pakistan’s export potential and improve bilateral trade with the UK.
Both Airblue and PIA executives thanked the Pakistani government and civil aviation authorities for helping them meet international safety standards. The approvals also align with Pakistan’s wider efforts to restructure and privatise PIA, making it more competitive in global aviation.
