Pakistan is optimistic about securing approval from British aviation authorities to resume direct flights to the UK by the first quarter of 2025.

This positive outlook follows a statement by Nadir Shafi Dar, the Director General of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), to Business Recorder.

Dar confirmed that a crucial inspection visit by officials from the UK’s Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority is scheduled for the third week of January 2025. This follows a planned online meeting between Pakistani and UK officials in the third week of December 2024 to discuss the resumption.

Dar expressed confidence in receiving operational clearance within weeks of the January inspection, basing his optimism on the recent successful assessment by the European Union. He highlighted that the positive EU evaluation strengthens Pakistan’s case for flight resumption to the UK.

Prior to the suspension of flights, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operated a substantial number of weekly flights to the UK, including 10 to London, 9 to Manchester, and 2 to Birmingham. PIA anticipates a considerable increase in revenue upon the resumption of services to both the UK and Europe.

The potential return of these flights would significantly improve air travel connectivity for Pakistani passengers traveling to the UK and other European destinations. The article also notes that the evaluation process will likely mirror the criteria used in the recent EU assessment.