Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed its direct flight service from Islamabad to London, ending a six-year hiatus. The inaugural flight, PK-785, touched down at London’s Heathrow Airport on Sunday, where it was warmly received by Pakistan’s High Commissioner Dr Faisal alongside Heathrow officials.
The arrival was marked by a modest yet festive ceremony featuring decorations with Pakistani and British flags and a special Pakistan-themed cake cutting. This event symbolized a significant moment for Pakistan’s aviation sector and the broader connection between the two countries.
Dr Faisal described the restoration of the Islamabad-London route as a crucial milestone, emphasizing that the service embodies the voice and presence of the Pakistani community in the United Kingdom. Heathrow Airport, which has maintained a relationship with PIA for over seventy years, expressed enthusiasm about the airline’s return. A Heathrow spokesperson remarked, “We warmly welcome PIA; today, our old friend has returned.”
Earlier on the same day, the flight’s inauguration ceremony was attended by Defence Secretary Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Ali, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, and Arif Habib, Chairman of the PIA Consortium. Together, they cut the ceremonial ribbon to mark the occasion. Jane Marriott welcomed the flight’s return and expressed optimism about the potential resumption of the Karachi-London route, highlighting the strong presence of the Pakistani diaspora in the UK.
The Defence Secretary praised the joint efforts of PIA and Civil Aviation Authority officials in reinstating the route, calling it a significant advancement for Pakistan’s aviation industry. He also acknowledged the British High Commissioner’s personal role in facilitating the flight’s return.
The renewed Islamabad-London service is scheduled to operate four times weekly from Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4. Officials noted that this reinstatement not only revives a historic air link but also strengthens trade, tourism, and bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, offering improved convenience for thousands of travelers.
The relaunch of PIA’s London flights has been widely celebrated as a symbol of deepening diplomatic and cultural ties, underscoring the airline’s commitment to connecting Pakistanis abroad with their homeland.
