The United Kingdom (UK) has officially lifted its nearly four-year air safety ban on Pakistani airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), effective July 16, 2025. This major development opens the door for the resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and the UK, a route heavily relied upon by the Pakistani diaspora and business travelers.
With the ban now lifted, Pakistani carriers can begin applying for operational permits from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). However, the resumption of flights is not immediate. Airlines must first secure all necessary approvals, meet stringent safety and technical standards, and complete regulatory procedures before launching services.
PIA had earlier expressed its intention to resume UK operations once the ban was removed, initially aiming for a restart around Eid-ul-Fitr. Although that target was missed, the UK’s decision in July now clears the path for operations to begin, pending final clearances. According to aviation sources, flights are expected to resume as soon as logistical arrangements and regulatory approvals are in place, though no specific date has been confirmed.
In the initial phase, PIA flights are expected to operate between Pakistan and key UK cities such as London and Manchester. Services to Birmingham are likely to follow. A formal relaunch event is also being planned, expected to include senior officials and media coverage to mark the return of Pakistani carriers to British airspace.
Other Pakistani airlines can also apply for UK CAA approval under the new guidelines. The process will be the same for all operators certified by Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority, offering more travel options for passengers shortly.
Next steps include the submission of applications to the UK CAA, followed by vetting and finalization of flight schedules, ticketing systems, and operational logistics. Official announcements regarding inaugural flights are expected once all preparations are complete.
While a specific restart date is yet to be announced, the lifting of the ban marks a significant milestone, setting the stage for the resumption of direct air connectivity between Pakistan and the United Kingdom in the coming weeks.
