“I am delighted to announce that PIA is commencing direct flights from Islamabad and Lahore to London Heathrow on 29 and 30 March, 2026, respectively,” said Asif, in a post on social media, while congratulating the Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom.

The development marks a key milestone in the airline’s post-privatisation revival and signals broader plans to expand its international network to the UK, Europe, Canada, and the USA.

Asif said that the incumbent government has taken significant measures to resume direct flights to London.

 “I convey my gratitude to the British High Commissioner in Pakistan, the Department for Transport UK, the Ministry of Defence, PCAA and PIA for their untiring efforts to achieve this milestone,” he said.

The minister acknowledged “rapid improvements” in PIA post-privatisation. He said that Pakistan would soon witness the expansion of PIA fleet and revival of its network of direct flights to more destinations in the UK, Europe and Canada.

 “Our government is also working closely with the aviation authority of the USA to revive direct flight operations to the USA.

 “I wish all stakeholders a brighter future after the successful transformation of the aviation sector in Pakistan, acknowledged by all international aviation authorities,” Asif concluded.

In December 2025, a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation Limited bought 75% stake in the PIA for Rs135 billion, bringing an end to years of stalled efforts to privatise the loss-making airline.