Will PIA Restart Direct London Flights by March 2026 After UK Ban Lift?

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a key expansion of its UK flight schedule. The national carrier plans to resume direct London operations starting in March 2026, sources confirmed on Thursday. PIA has formally notified London Heathrow Airport of this decision in writing.

This move follows the lifting of a five-year ban by Britain. The ban on Pakistani carriers was officially removed in July 2025. PIA had already resumed limited UK operations in October 2025. The full return to London Heathrow marks a significant step for the airline.

Securing Heathrow Connectivity

The airline has successfully secured approval for four weekly flight slots at London Heathrow Airport. These slots are highly valuable in the global aviation market. Securing them was critical for PIA's long-term strategy.

To prevent forfeiture during the suspension, an arrangement was made. The slots were temporarily allocated to Turkish Airlines. This 'babysitting concept' ensured the slots remained active. This strategic move avoided forcing PIA to use secondary London airports.

Regulatory Milestone

The original ban was imposed in 2020 due to serious safety concerns. This followed a fatal crash and a pilot licensing scandal. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted its ban in November 2024. This allowed PIA to resume flights to Europe in January 2025. The subsequent lifting of the UK ban in July 2025 paved the way for the full operational restart.

Privatization Fuels Expansion

The announcement of the London route resumption closely follows a major corporate development. A consortium led by the Arif Habib Corporation emerged as the top bidder for a 75% stake in PIA. The winning bid was Rs135 billion. This intense bidding process was broadcast live on television.

New Investment and Fleet Plans

The Arif Habib Consortium has since expanded its partnership. Fauji Fertiliser Company Limited has joined the consortium. This new partnership will contribute significant financial support and corporate expertise. Fauji Fertiliser will also be part of the new management structure.

The consortium has committed a substantial investment in the airline. They plan to invest Rs125 billion in the first year. This capital is earmarked for upgrading ground operations and overall services. Furthermore, the new owners intend a massive fleet expansion. The number of operational aircraft is planned to increase from 18 to 62. This ambitious plan signals a new era for the airline.

Industry Impact and Outlook

The privatization process is moving toward its final stages. The process requires final approvals from the Privatisation Commission board and the cabinet. Contract signing is expected within two weeks. A 90-day period will follow for meeting regulatory and legal conditions.

The Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation, Muhammad Ali, stated the state expects a new owner to be running the airline by April 2026. The new management faces the challenge of restructuring debt. However, the successful bid demonstrates market confidence in PIA's international route potential.

• Opportunity: The resumption of direct London flights will significantly boost revenue. It restores a crucial long-haul connection for the large Pakistani diaspora.
• Challenge: The new owners must execute the fleet expansion plan effectively. They must also maintain the highest safety standards to satisfy the UK Civil Aviation Authority and EASA.

This development is a key piece of commercial aviation news, linking a major privatization with operational recovery. The return of PIA to a primary global hub like London Heathrow will intensify competition on the UK-Pakistan route. For more flight operation news, visit flying.flights.