Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) recently marked a significant step forward in their international operations when they resumed direct flights from Islamabad to Manchester using a Boeing 777 aircraft on October 25, 2025, marking a key achievement. This flight, known as PK-701 departed Islamabad with passengers aboard it on October 25th 2025 using Geo News as the media partner.
Background of Suspension Systems

After a tragic crash in Karachi that resulted in nearly 100 fatalities and investigations revealed some pilots operating without valid licenses, both European Union and United Kingdom banned flights by Pakistan International Airline Ltd (PIA) towards Britain, prompting further suspensions to prevent future tragedies from taking place. For more than 15 years now.
Resumption of Services
Pakistan’s significant improvements in aviation safety standards paved the way for lifting of its ban in November 2024 when European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted their suspension, and later on in July 2025 when UK’s Civil Aviation Authority followed suit (Arab News).
PIA resumed operations, beginning with flights to Manchester before expanding services to London and Birmingham (Geo News). Minister Asif’s Commitment

At the inaugural ceremony, Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif underscored the government’s dedication to revitalizing PIA. He acknowledged financial losses sustained during its suspension and asserted that its standards had now been restored. Furthermore, Minister Asif noted the significance of direct flights for over 1.4 million Pakistanis living in Britain and Europe who send vital remittances home – providing much-needed boost for Pakistan’s economy (Geo News).
Economic and Cultural impacts.

Resumption of Pakistan International Airlines flights is expected to strengthen economic and cultural ties between Pakistan and the UK, according to Pakistan High Commissioner Mohammad Faisal in London. He noted several potential advantages arising from these flights such as increased revenue, trade, tourism and connectivity AP News.
Looking Forward
With its successful resumption of UK flights, PIA is now turning its attention to expanding international routes. Plans are currently in motion to reinstate direct flights to the US subject to approval by American aviation authorities.
AGN has also initiated the final stages of privatization process which is anticipated to conclude by November 2025, in an effort to relieve financial strain and enhance operational efficiency, according to Gulf News. This move is meant to reduce financial stress while simultaneously improving operational efficiencies, according to Gulf News.
Conclusion Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) return of flights to the UK marks an important step in their effort to restore international operations and financial stability. With ongoing reforms and expansion plans, PIA aims to enhance competitiveness while positively contributing to Pakistan’s economy.