Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) inaugurated direct flights between Lahore and Manchester on Wednesday night, marking a notable expansion of its operations in the United Kingdom and reinstating a vital air connection for the Pakistani community abroad.
The first flight, PK-709, departed Lahore carrying 325 passengers after a modest ceremony at Lahore airport, which included a cake-cutting to celebrate the launch. PIA’s Chief Operating Officer, Khurram Mushtaq, was present to bid farewell to the travelers prior to departure.
This renewed direct service has been warmly received by passengers, who emphasized its significance for the large Pakistani population residing in Britain. The route is expected to enhance people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the UK, providing greater convenience for those visiting family, conducting business, or traveling for other reasons.
Notably, the inaugural flight from Manchester to Lahore took place the previous night, with PIA’s local management and officials from Manchester Airport Group present to see off the aircraft.
In a significant development for its international network, PIA highlighted the Lahore-Manchester route as a key addition amid ongoing efforts to expand services to important overseas destinations. Currently, the airline operates five weekly flights between Pakistan and Manchester, including four from Islamabad and one from Lahore.
This expanded schedule aims to offer improved travel options for the Pakistani diaspora in the UK and to further strengthen air connectivity between the two nations.
