On October 25, 2025, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) made a return to the United Kingdom with its first nonstop flight from Islamabad to Manchester.
This milestone marks the end of a five-year suspension triggered by a 2020 pilot-licensing scandal that rocked the airline’s reputation.
The inaugural flight, PK-701, carried approximately 250 passengers on a Boeing 777, landing at Manchester 9MAN) to celebrations on both ends. This article covers PIA’s comeback, the significance of the route, and what it means for travellers and the airline’s future.
A Scandal That Grounded PIA
In June 2020, PIA faced a major crisis when investigations revealed that nearly 30% of its pilots held questionable licenses. This led to immediate bans by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The scandal eroded trust in PIA, forcing the airline to halt operations to key destinations like London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
For five years, Pakistani travellers in the UK, home to the largest Pakistani diaspora, relied on indirect flights through Middle Eastern hubs, increasing costs and travel time.
The suspension was a blow to PIA’s reputation and finances. However, the airline worked diligently to address safety concerns, overhaul pilot certification processes, and improve maintenance standards.
By November 2024, EASA lifted its ban, allowing PIA to resume Paris flights in January 2025. The UK CAA followed suit on July 16, 2025, after rigorous audits confirmed PIA’s compliance with international safety standards.
This clearance paved the way for the historic Islamabad–Manchester flight.
The Return Flight: A New Chapter
Flight PK701 departed Islamabad International Airport with fanfare, attended by Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott.
Asif called the resumption a “major milestone” for PIA’s recovery and Pakistan’s global image. The Boeing 777 touched down in Manchester to a warm welcome, symbolizing restored ties between the two nations.
Currently, PIA operates two weekly flights (Tuesdays and Saturdays) on this route, with plans to expand to London Heathrow (LHR) and Birmingham (BHX) soon.
Round-trip fares start at approximately PKR 150,000–200,000, making direct travel affordable again.
The resumption now strengthens trade, tourism, and family connections between Pakistan and the UK. The Pakistani diaspora, numbering over 1.2 million in the UK, now has a direct link to home, reducing reliance on pricier connecting flights.
The public response was generally positive, with some referencing PIA’s past reliability issues. Nonetheless, the smooth operation of PK701 signals a promising start.
Looking Ahead
PIA’s return to the UK is a step toward rebuilding trust and expanding its global network. The airline aims to increase flight frequencies and add more UK destinations in 2026.
With safety concerns addressed, PIA is also eyeing other European routes to regain its pre-2020 status. For travellers, this means more options, competitive fares, and shorter journeys.
PIA’s nonstop Islamabad–Manchester flight marks a new era for the airline. After overcoming a damaging scandal, PIA is back in the UK, aiming to serve passengers with renewed commitment.
