ISLAMABAD- Pakistan is set to resume direct flights to the United States (US) after securing operational clearance for routes to the United Kingdom (UK). Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that both Pakistan International Airlines (PK) and private carriers have received approval to operate flights to Britain.
The first flight from Islamabad (ISB) to Manchester (MAN) is scheduled for October 25, marking a major step in restoring Pakistan’s global air connectivity and expanding international route access for domestic carriers.
Photo: PIA 77-200LR | Pakistan International Airlines Boeing 777-20… | Flickr
Pakistan Airlines to Restart US Flights After UK Approval
The approval for flights to the United Kingdom represents a turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector. After years of restrictions and safety concerns, national and private airlines can now operate to British destinations, strengthening trade, tourism, and diaspora links.
Khawaja Asif described the UK clearance as a critical milestone, noting that multiple airlines have already expressed interest in launching services.
This expansion is expected to increase flight frequency, competition, and connectivity between Pakistan and major UK cities, including London (LHR), Manchester (MAN), and Birmingham (BHX).
Direct Flights to the United States Next
Following progress with the UK, Pakistan’s aviation authorities are now focusing on resuming direct flights to the United States.
According to Asif, talks with American regulators have advanced positively, and the government expects permission soon.
He emphasized that Pakistan has met key international safety and regulatory benchmarks, enabling the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to push for broader operational access. Once approved, direct flights to the US would mark the first such operations in several years, benefiting business travelers and expatriates alike.
The aviation minister highlighted that Pakistan’s aviation sector suffered significant setbacks during the PTI government, losing international certifications and operational approvals.
The current administration, he said, has worked to restore compliance with global aviation standards, improving oversight and safety audits.
These reforms have helped rebuild trust with international regulators such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Asif credited these policy shifts for opening the door to renewed international partnerships and operational expansions.
Photo: By Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia – Pakistan International Airlines, AP-BGJ, Boeing 777-240 ER, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72241859
Privatization Enters Final Phase
Pakistan is moving closer to selling a majority stake in its national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), a step seen as critical for reducing financial strain on the economy. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb confirmed that the privatization process is now in its final stages, according to local media reports.
The sale is a key requirement under Pakistan’s US$7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout, which mandates the divestment of loss-making state-owned enterprises to stabilize the country’s finances.
PIA, once a source of national pride and an industry innovator during the 1960s and 1970s, has faced a long decline. The airline pioneered in-flight entertainment and had uniforms designed by Queen Elizabeth II’s dressmaker. However, decades of mismanagement, mounting debt, and an aging fleet have left it struggling to compete regionally and globally.
Currently, nearly a third of PIA’s 30-aircraft fleet remains grounded due to age and maintenance issues. The airline has accumulated losses of about US$2.5 billion over the past decade.
PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan said that private investment is crucial for the airline’s turnaround. “There needs to be investment in the fleet of PIA and in overall business efficiency,” he said. “These things can actually come from the private sector if a good group or a large investor with financial muscle steps in.”
Photo: By Magic Aviation – Boeing 777-240/ER Pakistan International Airlines PIA AP-BHXUploaded by Dura-Ace, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24910086
A Path Toward Modernization and Growth
Khawaja Asif added that following privatization, new aircraft would be added to PIA’s fleet, opening opportunities to expand into China, Europe, and East Asia.
He clarified that the government will not inject further funds into PIA once the privatization is complete, with the private sector expected to drive modernization and route expansion.
The combined efforts of regulatory reform, privatization, and renewed international access mark a significant shift for Pakistan’s aviation industry — one that could restore its place in global air travel.
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