Pakistan International Airlines Launches Direct Flights to Manchester Boosting Trade Tourism and Cultural Exchange with the UK
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has launched its inaugural direct flight from Islamabad to Manchester, with the first journey taking place on October 25, 2025. This development restores air links that had been suspended for five years, enhancing connections between Pakistan and the UK.
New Milestone in UK-Pakistan Relations
The launch of this route is a significant achievement for both nations. It aims to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges by providing easier access for travelers and businesses. The new flight significantly reduces travel time and costs for passengers, including the substantial Pakistani diaspora in the UK.
Reviving Essential Air Links
The direct flight resumption follows the UK’s removal of PIA from its Air Safety List on July 16, 2025. This decision was based on successful audits demonstrating enhanced safety protocols within PIA. Passengers had experienced considerable inconveniences during the five-year suspension, facing longer travel times and increased expenses.
Key Reforms in Aviation Safety
PIA’s renewed flight operations are anchored in critical reforms in Pakistan’s aviation sector:
- Pilot Licensing Rectification: Collaboration with UK authorities led to successful re-certification of PIA pilots.
- Safety Standards Enhancement: Enhanced safety management systems now comply with international regulations.
- Financial Restructuring: PIA achieved its first annual profit in two decades, positioning the airline for sustainable growth.
Benefits of Direct Flights
The restoration of direct flights carries broad implications for UK-Pakistan relations:
- Boosting Trade: Reduced travel time will facilitate business operations and strengthen supply chains.
- Connecting the Diaspora: Easier travel will enhance cultural ties between British-Pakistani families.
- Encouraging Tourism: The new route promises to offer tourists greater access to Pakistan and vice versa.
- Increasing Connectivity: Manchester Airport, a hub for the Pakistani community, will see increased passenger and cargo traffic.
- Building Confidence: Lifting restrictions on PIA illustrates renewed faith in Pakistan’s aviation standards.
Flight Details and Future Prospects
Paking flight reservations is now possible through PIA’s official website or authorized partners. Introductory fares start at £633, with services operating four times a week, taking approximately eight hours. Depending on demand, PIA plans to introduce additional flights from other cities, including Birmingham and London, in the future.
The recommencement of direct flights signifies a bright chapter in the partnership between Pakistan and the UK. With a focus on safety and growth, this initiative aims to foster enduring economic and cultural relations for years to come.
