Britain has formally ended its five-year-long ban on Pakistani airlines, clearing the path for direct flights between the two countries once again.
The announcement arrives at a pivotal moment as Pakistan ramps up efforts to privatise its national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
The flight ban, imposed back in 2020, came in the wake of a devastating PIA plane crash that killed 97 people in Karachi. The tragedy prompted a probe into the authenticity of Pakistani pilot licences, triggering serious concerns over aviation safety.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the British High Commission confirmed that the decision to lift the ban followed “safety improvements by Pakistani authorities.”
The UK’s move follows a similar decision earlier this year by the European Union, signalling a broader acceptance of the regulatory upgrades carried out by Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority.
PIA has been quick to respond to the development. The airline confirmed it is finalising plans to reinstate flights to the UK, calling the route “strategically vital.”
“The airline was finalising preparations to resume UK flights ‘in the shortest possible time’ and had submitted its proposed schedule,” a PIA spokesperson said.
Initial operations will kick off with the Islamabad-Manchester route, offering three flights per week, subject to regulatory approval.
The reopening of UK airspace to Pakistani carriers is a major breakthrough for PIA, which previously reported losing an estimated 40 billion rupees (around $144 million) annually due to the suspension.
The UK routes – particularly to London, Manchester, and Birmingham – have historically been among the airline’s most lucrative. PIA also holds coveted landing slots at London Heathrow, which may soon be reinstated.
With PIA now showing signs of recovery, including reporting its first operating profit in 21 years, the timing couldn’t be better. The airline is undergoing major restructuring as part of a broader IMF-supported privatisation programme.
Earlier this month, Pakistan shortlisted four consortiums to bid for a 51% to 100% stake in PIA, with final offers expected later this year.
Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, expressed optimism: “The resumption of all routes would improve PIA’s value ahead of the privatisation,” he said, adding that the airline also has plans to reintroduce flights to New York.
With UK skies reopening and European support growing, Pakistani aviation appears to be regaining credibility on the global stage. As PIA prepares for its return and potential transformation through privatisation, the stakes – and expectations – are high.
This development marks more than a return of flights; it could be the start of a long-overdue revival for the country’s struggling national carrier.
