Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is preparing to restart direct flights to London beginning March 29, 2026, ending a six-year suspension of this route. The national carrier will operate four non-stop weekly flights from Islamabad and Lahore to London, enhancing travel speed, comfort, and convenience for passengers.
PIA confirmed that these flights will arrive at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4. This resumption marks a significant milestone, as London was the airline’s inaugural international destination and remains one of its most vital routes. Boeing 777 aircraft will be deployed for these London services.
Prior to the 2020 suspension, PIA operated 10 weekly flights to London. The UK had imposed a ban on PIA flights in July 2020 after concerns were raised about the qualifications of the airline’s pilots by the then-aviation minister, Ghulam Sarwar. Partial restoration of UK operations began on October 25, 2025, with UK authorities acknowledging PIA’s efforts and recognizing the restored flights as a valuable service for the Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom.
In a related development, PIA recently launched a pioneering partnership with rail networks in Canada and the UK. This Air–Rail service allows passengers to book combined air and train travel on a single ticket, facilitating seamless connections beyond major airports. For example, travelers flying with PIA to Toronto can continue their journey by train to eight major Canadian cities without needing separate rail tickets. This integrated system aims to reduce travel difficulties and improve coordination between flight arrivals and train departures.
