Overview

• UK Civil Aviation Authority has issued PIA a Foreign Aircraft Operating Permit, providing the final clearance to restart commercial flights to Britain.
• Twice-weekly service will run Tuesdays and Saturdays between Islamabad and Manchester, departing Islamabad at 12:00 pm and arriving at 5:00 pm, with the return leaving Manchester at 7:00 pm and reaching Islamabad at 7:00 am.
• The UK Department for Transport has granted ACC3 cargo security approval for operations from Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, with designations valid until August 2030.
• PIA had earlier obtained Third Country Operator status, building on Pakistan’s removal from the UK Air Safety List in July 2025 after regulatory cooperation and reviews.
• The airline describes Manchester as the first phase of its UK relaunch, with Birmingham and London flights planned to follow.