The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed its direct flight operations to London after a gap of six years, with the first flight departed from Islamabad on Sunday with 325 passengers on board.
The flight operation was inaugurated by Secretary of Defence Lieutenant General (r) Muhammad Ali and the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott at Islamabad International Airport. PIA used Boeing-777 for the inaugural flight.
Speaking at the event, Jane Marriott welcomed the restoration of PIA’s London flights, calling it a positive development.
She said that flights from Karachi should also be resumed soon, noting that hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis live in the United Kingdom. She added that the resumption reflects the growing relations between Pakistan and the UK.
Addressing the ceremony, the Defence Secretary said that the day marks an important milestone for Pakistan’s aviation sector.
He highlighted that PIA and London share a long-standing history, which was unfortunately interrupted for the past six years. He expressed satisfaction that the connection has now been restored.
He further noted that Pakistan and the United Kingdom enjoy strong trade relations, and the resumption of flights will help further strengthen bilateral ties. He also appreciated the efforts of PIA and the Civil Aviation Authority officials in making this possible.
The Defence Secretary praised the British High Commissioner’s special interest in restoring the route, stating that her efforts played a key role in the resumption of PIA’s London flights.
