PIA to Restore Direct London Flights Starting March 29

According to reports from multiple media outlets on Wednesday, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has finalized its flight schedule for a high-profile return to London. The national flag carrier is set to resume direct services from both Islamabad and Lahore at the end of March, ending a six-year suspension on the route. Following the launch, the airline’s total operations to the United Kingdom will reach seven weekly flights, signaling a steady recovery for what has historically been its most profitable international sector.

City-Wise Launch Dates and Frequency

The phased restart will begin on March 29, 2026, with the first flight departing from Islamabad. This will be followed immediately by the resumption of the Lahore-to-London service on March 30.

According to the initial operational plan:

• Islamabad to London: Three weekly flights.

  Recommended

  Prime Minister Shehbaz Announces 14-Point Austerity Plan to Combat Economic SeverityCM Murad Approves Rs21.5bn for Karachi’s Infrastructure Glow-UpBangladesh Flight Lands in Karachi After 14-Year Hiatus

• Lahore to London: One weekly flight.

• Total London Frequency: Four weekly non-stop flights.

• Arrival Hub: All flights are scheduled to land at Heathrow Airport Terminal 4.

The airline will utilize its Boeing 777 fleet for these routes. While the current total of seven weekly flights to the UK is a significant step forward, it remains below the pre-2020 level when PIA operated 10 weekly flights to London alone.

Ending a Six-Year Disruption

The direct route to London was suspended in July 2020 following safety concerns raised by international aviation authorities regarding licensing and pilot credentials. The six-year gap forced travelers to rely on indirect flights through Middle Eastern and European hubs, often resulting in longer travel times and higher costs.

UK aviation authorities have recently acknowledged the progress made by the national carrier in meeting international safety standards. The return of direct connectivity is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two nations, strengthening the long-standing link between Pakistan and its first-ever international destination.

A Critical Milestone for National Aviation

The restoration of the London route is more than just a commercial victory; it is a vital link for the Pakistani community in the UK. With the integration of the new Air-Rail service, which allows passengers to connect to regional UK cities on a single ticket, PIA is positioning itself to regain its lost market share in the competitive transatlantic and European corridors.

Read next: Ahmed Ali Akbar Delivers Hilarious Take on Sanwal Yaar Piya Ending