Pakistan International Airlines plans flight resumptions to US and UK by 2025

In related developments, Business Insider reports that a delegation from the UK Department for Transport will visit Pakistan in December, followed by a Pakistani delegation visiting the UK in January. If these meetings are successful, PIA could resume operations in the UK as early as March. Previously, PIA offered up to 21 weekly services to various UK destinations.

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority stated: “(The CAA) recognizes the importance of air services” between the UK and Pakistan, emphasizing economic and cultural ties. They support restoring connections but require a rigorous safety case due to past service suspensions.

In November, EASA lifted its four-year suspension on PIA flights within Europe after safety concerns following a crash in May 2020 involving flight PK8303 were addressed.

Currently, British Airways provides twice-weekly direct flights between London Gatwick International Airport and Islamabad International Airport for passengers traveling from the UK to Pakistan.

PIA's fleet consists of aging Airbus, Boeing, and ATR aircraft with an average age exceeding 18 years. Active aircraft include ten Airbus A320-200s among others; inactive aircraft include several models like seven Airbus A320-200s.

Historically, PIA has operated various aircraft models since its inception as Orient Airways in 1946.