Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is officially returning to London. The national carrier has announced it will resume flights to the United Kingdom’s capital starting March 29, 2026. This major development marks the end of a six-year suspension on this high-demand route.
According to the airline, operations will run four times a week. These flights will connect Islamabad directly to London Heathrow Airport. PIA will utilise Terminal 4 for these operations.
This resumption involves significant logistical planning. Sources confirm that the airline has successfully secured approval for four weekly slots at Heathrow. Previously, these slots were temporarily allocated to another foreign airline. This strategic move prevented their permanent withdrawal during the suspension period.
Following regulatory relaxations, PIA formally notified Heathrow authorities of its return. This serves as a significant expansion of the carrier’s UK operations. Currently, PIA already operates three weekly flights to Manchester.
London holds historical significance as PIA’s first international destination. Consequently, it remains a critical route for the airline. Aviation experts suggest this move will strengthen PIA’s commercial prospects. It will also improve the airline’s international standing.
The route is historically popular among Pakistani expatriates and business travellers. Furthermore, the resumption offers passengers better onward connectivity. Travellers can expect easier access to destinations across Europe and North America.
While the exact flight schedule remains pending, wide-body aircraft are expected for the route. This announcement follows the recent privatisation of the national carrier.
