The Pakistani airline’s UK flight ban officially lifted, allowing direct flights from Pakistan to the United Kingdom to resume after nearly five years. The British High Commissioner Jane Marriott confirmed the removal of the UK Pakistan flight ban, stating it followed continuous efforts between aviation regulators of both countries.
The Pakistani airline ban in the UK occurred in 2020 due to a crash of a PIA aircraft and concerns about its safety. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is gearing up to resume its services in the UK after the recent update and will start with two flights to Manchester and Islamabad. The airline submitted its schedule and will operate three weekly flights in the first phase once approved.
The removal of the UK Pakistan flight ban praised by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif alleged that the ban caused by the influence of political rhetoric by previous regimes. He said the move would support the Pakistani expatriates in the UK and it was a milestone in Pakistani-UK business travel.
Pakistani airlines UK flight ban lift expected to reduce travel time by 4 to 5 hours, especially for passengers who previously relied on connecting flights. According to Adnan Pracha, Senior Vice President of the Pakistan Overseas Employment Promoters Association, this move will also lower ticket costs.
Earlier this year, flights to Europe resumed after a similar hiatus. Authorities are hopeful that the United States may also consider lifting its flight restrictions on Pakistan.
The PIA has reported that it will resume flights to the UK as soon as possible and is in the final phase of preparation to ensure the flights resume. The lifting of the UK flight ban on the Pakistani airline termed as a significant move towards the revival of international connectivity in the Pakistani aviation industry.
