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The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has finally issued a Foreign Operating Permit (FOP) to the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Credible sources now expect that PIA is all set to restart its flight operations to the United Kingdom, most likely by the end of this month. Finally, PIA has now cleared all hurdles, and commercial operations between the two nations will continue.
The first flights to Manchester have been scheduled, and plans to expand to Birmingham and London are almost in place. 1.7 million Pakistanis residing in the UK are most likely to benefit from it. They will now have more direct and convenient travel options to Pakistan.
The Wait Is Over!
PIA resuming flights to the United Kingdom this month
The Pakistan High Commission in London @PakistaninUK is immensely pleased to announce the resumption of Pakistan International Airlines @Official_PIA flights between Pakistan and the United Kingdom this… pic.twitter.com/Ad3IhIw2jd
— Pakistan High Commission London (@PakistaninUK) October 3, 2025
Third Country Operator (TCO) approval had previously been secured by the Pakistan International Airlines. The UK Department for Transport has also allowed the airline to operate cargo flights from Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi to the UK. This authorization, under the ACC3 aviation security framework, is valid until August 2030.
The UK’s removal of Pakistan from its Air Safety List in July 2025 led to this development. This decision was based on improvements made by PIA, taking into account the safety oversight standards and the sustained technical cooperation between Pakistani and British aviation regulators.
This milestone is part of PIA’s broader efforts to restore international operations, including the recent resumption of European flights after a four-year hiatus. PIA is all set now and is looking forward to applying for licenses to operate flights to New York.
