rki.news | Source: Dawn

ISLAMABAD, Sept. 2 — Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will increase its weekly flights to London from four to seven starting October 27, responding to rising passenger demand and renewed confidence in its international operations.

Under the revised schedule, five flights will operate from Islamabad, while two will connect Lahore with London, the airline said in a statement.

PIA said the additional services would help meet growing demand for travel between Pakistan and Britain.

Pakistan’s airlines were barred from operating in the European Union, United Kingdom and United States in 2020 following a passenger aircraft crash in Karachi that killed nearly 100 people.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency later imposed restrictions on PIA over safety concerns. The EU lifted its ban in November 2024 after Pakistan introduced measures to address aviation safety issues.

In July 2025, Britain removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List, allowing Pakistani carriers to seek approval for operations in the country.

PIA received permission in September 2025 to resume direct UK flights after almost five years. Manchester became its first resumed destination, followed by London services in March.

The latest increase marks another step in PIA’s restoration of international operations and connectivity between Pakistan and Britain.