After more than five years, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to resume direct flights to the United Kingdom, with the first flight scheduled to depart from Islamabad to Manchester today (Saturday).

According to officials, the national carrier will initially operate two weekly flights — on Tuesdays and Saturdays — between Islamabad and Manchester.

Preparations at Islamabad International Airport have been finalised, including a special installation of a Manchester-themed display at the terminal to mark the milestone.

A formal ceremony celebrating the resumption of UK operations will be held at Islamabad Airport, where Defence Minister Khawaja Asif is expected to be the chief guest.

PIA’s UK operations were suspended on July 1, 2020, after the British aviation authorities imposed a ban following revelations made in Pakistan’s National Assembly by then Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan regarding irregularities in pilot licences.

The resumption of flights marks a significant achievement for Pakistan’s aviation sector, restoring a vital air link that had been suspended for five years and three months.

Officials expressed optimism that the move will help rebuild PIA’s credibility in international markets and provide greater convenience to Pakistani travellers flying to the UK.