Plans to resume direct flights from Pakistan to the United Kingdom have run into trouble, despite Britain lifting its ban on Pakistani airlines more than a month ago.

According to aviation sources, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and a private carrier had planned to start direct flights to the UK in August.

However, the schedule could not be issued because Pakistani airlines are still awaiting the Third Country Operator (TCO) approval from British authorities.

PIA officials said it was the responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to secure the TCO clearance.

“Without this approval, flights cannot operate,” a PIA spokesperson confirmed, adding that schedules would be released immediately once the document is received.

The CAA, meanwhile, clarified that its mandate ended once the ban was lifted.

“The regulator’s role was confined to removing restrictions. Obtaining the TCO now rests with the airlines and UK authorities,” a CAA spokesperson explained.

The delay has frustrated passengers, many of whom were expecting flight operations to resume in August.

Aviation insiders noted that after restoring flights to the UK, Pakistan also aims to reopen routes to the United States.

After the UK ban was lifted, the CAA is now working on steps to restore direct flights to the United States, said the CAA spokesperson.

A five-member US safety inspection team has already arrived in Lahore to review progress on safety compliance, CAA spokesperson said.

The UK had suspended PIA and other Pakistani airlines from direct operations in 2020 following concerns over pilot licensing and safety standards. Although restrictions have now been lifted, the latest procedural snag means the wait for direct flights will continue.