A six-year gap is closing
Pakistan International Airlines was barred from flying into UK and European airspace in 2020, after a licensing scandal cast doubt on pilot qualifications across the industry. For six years, anyone flying PIA between the UK and Pakistan had to connect through a second country. That changed in 2026: PIA is back on UK runways, and it's the first time since 2020 that travellers have had a true one-stop-free option between the two countries.
The routes, so far
Islamabad–Manchester — resumed first, 25 October 2025, ahead of the wider relaunch. Now running four flights a week.
Islamabad–London Heathrow — inaugurated 29 March 2026.
Lahore–London Heathrow — launched the following day, 30 March 2026.
Lahore–Manchester — the newest addition, launched 1–2 July 2026 (inaugural flight PK709/PK710). Manchester now has direct PIA service to both Islamabad and Lahore — five flights a week between the two routes combined.
Birmingham is still only "planned" by PIA, with no route or date confirmed as of this writing. Some UK OTA sites list "Birmingham–Islamabad" PIA fares; these appear to be connecting itineraries via another hub, not a direct flight.
Karachi hasn't been confirmed for a direct UK route as of this writing — travellers flying from Karachi still connect via Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul on Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad or Turkish Airlines.
What it actually means for your fare
Two things move when a national carrier re-enters a route: capacity and competition. More seats between London and Islamabad/Lahore gives Emirates, Qatar, Etihad and Turkish less room to hold fares up on their one-stop itineraries — and a direct PIA flight is, structurally, a cheaper flight to run than a two-leg journey through a Gulf or Turkish hub. Neither guarantees a lower headline price on any single date, but the trend on newly-restored competitive routes is downward pressure on fares and more frequent seat sales, not less.
The more immediate win is time: a direct Islamabad or Lahore flight saves the 2–5 hours a connection typically adds, plus removes the risk of a missed connection or lost bag at a transfer hub.
Should you book PIA direct, or stick with a one-stop carrier?
Book direct if your priority is total journey time, checked-in baggage travelling with you the whole way, or you're travelling with young children or elderly relatives.
A one-stop carrier can still work out cheaper on some dates, and gives you more flexibility on departure airport — Emirates, Qatar, Etihad and Turkish all serve multiple UK cities.
If you're flying to or from Karachi, a one-stop itinerary is currently the only option — there's no direct UK service yet.
FAQs
Why was PIA banned from flying to the UK and Europe?
In 2020, Pakistan's aviation minister disclosed that a significant number of pilots held licences obtained irregularly. The UK and EU aviation safety regulators suspended PIA's operating permission while the airline and Pakistan's civil aviation authority addressed the findings.
Is PIA safe to fly now?
The UK and EU regulators lifted the suspension and cleared PIA to resume scheduled service, following a review of the airline's safety and licensing standards. Speak to our team or check current CAA notices if you'd like this confirmed directly.
How many times a week does PIA fly Islamabad to London?
Four flights a week as of the March 2026 launch. Call us to confirm the current frequency, as airlines commonly add flights as demand builds.
Does PIA fly direct from Manchester or Birmingham?
Manchester has direct PIA service to both Islamabad (since 25 October 2025) and Lahore (since 1 July 2026). Birmingham is still only "planned" — no route or date has been confirmed, and any OTA listing showing a direct Birmingham–Islamabad PIA fare should be treated as unverified until PIA confirms the route.
Ready to book?
Speak to our UK team for today's live fares, or send us your travel dates.