Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed direct flights between Lahore and Manchester, restoring another key international route after nearly five years. According to a PIA statement, flight PK-709 departed from Lahore carrying 325 passengers. An inaugural ceremony was held at Lahore's airport, where PIA Chief Operating Officer Khurram Mushtaq bid farewell to the passengers before departure.
Return Flight and Service Details
The airline said the first return flight from Manchester to Lahore had departed on Wednesday night, marking the official restoration of the route. PIA noted that the service would help strengthen people-to-people connections between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. With the addition of the Lahore service, PIA now operates five weekly flights between Pakistan and Manchester, including four from Islamabad and one from Lahore.
Background of the Route Suspension
PIA's international operations had been severely affected after Pakistani airlines were banned from flying to the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States in 2020 following the Karachi plane crash and concerns over pilot licensing standards. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency lifted its ban in November 2024, while the United Kingdom removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List in July 2025, paving the way for Pakistani airlines to resume operations.
Expansion of UK Services
PIA received approval to restart direct UK flights in September 2025, with Manchester becoming its first destination. The national carrier later expanded its network by resuming direct flights to London, restoring another major route after a six-year suspension.
