The long-awaited decision on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to the United Kingdom is expected today (March 25), as the British air safety authority finalizes its review.
If approved, Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and PIA will be officially notified, marking the end of a five-year suspension and paving the way for PIA’s return to UK routes.
PIA sources remain optimistic, stating that the airline successfully met all Department for Transport (DFT) audit requirements. The plan includes operating Boeing 777 flights, starting with Manchester, followed by London in later phases.
The potential resumption of flights is expected to generate Rs30 billion in revenue, benefiting both passenger and cargo operations.
This decision follows the European Union’s recent lifting of its ban on PIA, allowing flights to Europe to resume. On January 10, PIA operated its first flight to Paris in over four years.
A final announcement is anticipated later today.
The ban was enforced in July 2020 by the UK and European aviation authorities following the fake pilot licence scandal
