Pakistani airlines can fly to the UK once again as 5 year long ban lifted
July 17, 2025
The UK has lifted its five-year ban on Pakistani airlines, clearing the way for carriers such as Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to resume flights to the country.
Pakistan was officially removed from the UK’s Air Safety List, which lists countries and airlines which cannot fly aircraft to, from or in the country, on 16 July.
The restriction was imposed in 2020, following a fatal crash of a Pakistan International Airlines. Revelations of irregularities in pilot licensing that followed served to cut Pakistani airlines’ direct links to the UK.
This week’s decision follows improvements in aviation oversight and safety standards by Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority.
Which Pakistani airlines will start UK flights first?
British authorities have now confirmed that Pakistani airlines can once again apply for operating permits to the UK, but which carrier will be the first to return to British shores?
The only Pakistani airline with flights to the UK before the ban was Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). It has indicated its readiness to restart flights, with services to Manchester and other UK cities under consideration.
According to Travel Gossip, a PIA spokesperson said it will return to the UK ‘in the shortest possible time’, starting with a three-times-a-week service between Manchester and Islamabad. The airline retained valuable Heathrow slots despite the ban, and may look to rapidly re-enter the market.
A quick return to the UK would strengthens the outlook for PIA, as the government continues efforts to privatise the flag carrier.
AirBlue once tried UK routes, connecting Manchester and Birmingham in 2012 and 2013 with its Airbus A340s. But technical issues with the aircraft saw them phased out and the UK dropped from its schedules by January 2014.
Other than PIA, no Pakistani airline has the aircraft equipment to fly to the UK. However, there is one other player potentially looking at services.
Pakistani-owned HB International Airlines told Travel Gossip that it was intending to start flights between the UK and Pakistan via a joint venture with Norse Atlantic. However, Norse has declined any comment on the plans, despite reports in Pakistani media that it has applied for flight rights to the country.
Pakistan International Airlines has already resumed flying to Europe
In January, PIA resumed flights to the European Union after a five-year hiatus. The first flight, operating from Islamabad to Paris, departed on 10 January.
The EU banned PIA flights in 2020 following safety concerns raised by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The airline posted on Facebook: “Marking a historic milestone! PIA proudly resumes its journey to Europe with the inaugural flight PK-749 from Islamabad to Paris.
“Bringing hearts closer, connecting destinations, and writing a new chapter in our legacy.”
