PIA direct flights to London are officially set to resume from Islamabad starting March 2026, marking a major milestone for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and fulfilling a long-standing demand of Pakistani travelers and expatriates living in the United Kingdom.
After a suspension of nearly six years, the national flag carrier’s decision to restart direct connectivity between Pakistan’s capital and one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs is being viewed as a strategic move to reclaim its presence on high-demand international routes.
PIA Direct Flights to London Restart After Six-Year Gap
According to a PIA spokesperson, the airline will commence its first direct flight from Islamabad to London on March 29, 2026. Initially, PIA direct flights to London will operate four times a week, offering passengers a non-stop travel option that significantly reduces travel time and eliminates the inconvenience of stopovers.
This resumption comes at a time when air travel demand between Pakistan and the UK continues to grow, driven by business travelers, students, families, and a large Pakistani diaspora based in London and surrounding cities.
Why PIA Direct Flights to London Matter for Travelers
The return of PIA direct flights to London is expected to provide multiple benefits for passengers:
Travelers will now be able to fly directly between Islamabad and London without enduring long layovers at transit airports. This is especially important for elderly passengers, families, and business travelers seeking convenience and time efficiency.
London has historically been one of PIA’s most popular international destinations. Before the suspension, PIA used to operate more than 22 weekly flights to various UK cities, highlighting the route’s strong commercial potential.
PIA’s UK Network Expansion Strategy
Alongside the resumption of PIA direct flights to London, the airline is already operating three weekly flights from Islamabad to Manchester, maintaining its footprint in the UK aviation market.
PIA management has also indicated plans to gradually expand direct services to London from other major cities of Pakistan, depending on demand, fleet availability, and operational approvals. This phased approach reflects the airline’s broader international revival strategy.
Operations at Heathrow Airport
All PIA direct flights to London will operate via Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest and most prestigious aviation hubs globally. Access to Heathrow enhances PIA’s brand visibility and provides passengers with better onward connectivity within the UK and Europe.
For business travelers and overseas Pakistanis, Heathrow remains the preferred gateway due to its transport links and proximity to central London.
Revenue Boost Expected From PIA Direct Flights to London
Industry analysts believe the resumption of PIA direct flights to London could significantly strengthen the airline’s revenue stream. UK routes are considered among PIA’s prime and high-demand sectors, historically delivering strong passenger loads and premium traffic.
With air travel rebounding globally, direct UK operations are expected to play a critical role in improving PIA’s financial performance and international competitiveness.
A Positive Signal for Pakistan’s Aviation Sector
The return of PIA direct flights to London is also being welcomed as a positive development for Pakistan’s broader aviation industry. It signals improved regulatory confidence, operational readiness, and renewed efforts to restore PIA’s global network.
For overseas Pakistanis, this move represents easier access to home, while for the airline, it marks another step toward rebuilding trust and market share on international routes.