In a major milestone, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has formally resumed its flight operations to the United Kingdom after more than five years, with the first flight from Islamabad to Manchester taking off on Saturday.

A ceremony was held at Islamabad International Airport to mark the occasion, attended by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority, and the PIA management.

Addressing the ceremony, Khawaja Asif said the ban imposed on PIA had caused significant losses to the government but that the airline had now restored its standards.

“The restoration of PIA’s routes marks an important development for Pakistan, and the resumption of flights to Manchester will prove to be a promising beginning,” he remarked.

He also credited British High Commissioner Jane Marriott for her key role in facilitating the process, acknowledging her positive and constructive efforts that made the resumption possible.

The minister also appreciated the diplomatic staff for their contribution.

The ban on PIA flights to the UK, imposed in July 2020 following issues related to pilot licence verifications, has now been lifted after five years and three months, allowing the airline to once again operate in British airspace.

In the first phase, PIA will operate two weekly flights from Islamabad to Manchester, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The inaugural Boeing 777 flight departed at 12 noon, carrying 273 passengers to Manchester.

According to sources, in the second phase, PIA plans to launch direct flights to London as part of its expanded UK operations.

To mark the occasion, a large portrait of Manchester City was displayed at Islamabad Airport — symbolising the revival of air connectivity between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.