KARACHI (Kashmir English): Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is going to resume direct flights between Pakistan and the United Kingdom (UK) after it has secured formal approval from the UK’s Department for Transport to operate as a Third Country Operator.
The resumption comes after years of suspension. According to the national flag carrier, it will relaunch its UK operations next month, beginning with flights to Manchester.
Services to Birmingham and London will resume in subsequent phases, gradually expanding the airline’s presence in one of its most significant international markets.
The UK authorities formally granted the airline comprehensive authorization to operate direct flights for both passengers and cargo.
PIA also gets five-year ACC3 certification
In addition, the Department for Transport has issued PIA a five-year ACC3 certification covering its security and cargo operations.
International aviation regulators opined that these certifications reflect renewed confidence in PIA’s safety protocols and operational standards, which had been under scrutiny for several years.
The approval marks a significant development for the PIA, potentially restoring passenger confidence and strengthening trade links through cargo operations.
