In the first phase of its UK operations revival, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will operate two weekly flights between Islamabad and Manchester, scheduled for Saturdays and Tuesdays. According to the flight schedule, departures from Islamabad will take place at 12:00 PM, arriving in Manchester at 5:00 PM. The return flights will depart Manchester at 7:00 PM and land in Islamabad at 7:00 AM, ensuring a total travel time of just eight hours — significantly shorter than the previous 15-hour journeys.
A PIA spokesperson stated that the number of Manchester flights will gradually increase, while services to London are planned in the second phase of the airline’s UK expansion. “Flights have been opened for booking,” the spokesperson confirmed, adding that the airline aims to provide passengers with the most comfortable and fully equipped travel experience.
A day earlier, the Pakistan High Commission in London announced that the UK Civil Aviation Authority had issued the Foreign Aircraft Operating Permit (FOP) — the final document required to commence commercial flights.
Additionally, PIA received formal Third Country Operator (TCO) approval last month, allowing the airline to operate direct passenger and cargo flights to the UK. At that time, PIA had announced that flight operations would begin in October, starting with Manchester as the initial destination.
