Pakistan International Airlines Confirms Return to London Heathrow in March 2026.

December 25, 2025 at 12:45 PM•3 min read

Pakistan International Airlines secured four weekly London Heathrow slots for March 2026, marking a significant step to strengthen UK-Pakistan

Key Points

1Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume direct London Heathrow flights starting March 2026.
2The airline secured four weekly landing slots at London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
3The resumption follows the UK lifting a five-year ban imposed over a pilot license scandal in July 2025.
4The slots were temporarily held by Turkish Airlines under a 'babysitting' arrangement to maintain regulatory compliance.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has confirmed the resumption of direct UK flight operations starting in March 2026. The national carrier has successfully secured four weekly landing slots at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). This move represents a major milestone in restoring international connectivity between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

PIA officials formally notified Heathrow Airport of their plans. The new services are expected to boost passenger traffic and strengthen trade ties. The airline aims to offer convenient schedules for both business and tourist travelers. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance PIA's global presence and improve operational efficiency. For the latest industry updates, visit our commercial aviation news section.

Background and Regulatory Compliance

The confirmed flight resumption follows a five-year hiatus for PIA in the UK. The ban was imposed in July 2020 by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. This action followed revelations of a fake pilot license scandal within Pakistan's aviation sector. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) also suspended PIA’s authorization at that time.

The UK lifted its ban in July 2025 after comprehensive safety reforms. This allowed Pakistani airlines to apply for restarting UK flights. The four weekly slots at London Heathrow were crucial assets for the airline. During the suspension, PIA temporarily allocated these slots to Turkish Airlines. This arrangement, often called "babysitting," was a regulatory necessity. It ensured the slots remained active and were not forfeited under airport 'use it or lose it' rules. Authorities have now allowed the slots to return to the national carrier. This confirms PIA's permission for direct flights from Pakistan to London.

Future Outlook and Privatization Impact

This announcement is closely linked to recent developments in airline privatization. A consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation recently won the bid for a 75% stake in PIA. The new ownership plans significant investment in the airline.

The consortium intends to invest Rs125 billion in the first year.
Funds will upgrade ground operations and overall services.
Plans include expanding the operational fleet from 18 to 62 aircraft.

The new owners are expected to take operational control by April 2026. This major capacity boost signals a revival of PIA’s global operations. The March 2026 flights to London Heathrow are a key step in this strategic expansion. Airline officials continue to explore opportunities for further international growth. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) views such route resumptions as positive for global air travel recovery.