ISLAMABAD (MNN); Pakistan International Airlines has announced that it will restart direct flights to London from March 2026, following the lifting of a five-year ban on Pakistani airlines by UK authorities earlier this year.
The national carrier has secured four weekly landing slots at London’s Heathrow Airport. During PIA’s suspension, these slots were temporarily operated by Turkish Airlines to keep them active. With restrictions now removed, PIA has formally informed Heathrow Airport of its plan to resume operations on the route.
The development comes amid recent progress in the privatisation of PIA, where a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation emerged as the highest bidder for a 75 percent stake in the airline with an offer of Rs135 billion, surpassing a competing group led by Lucky Cement.
Fauji Fertiliser Company Limited has since joined the consortium, adding financial strength and corporate expertise. The company will also be part of PIA’s management structure. In a statement, the consortium said it plans to invest Rs125 billion in the first year to improve ground handling, service quality and overall operations.
The new owners have also announced plans to expand PIA’s operational fleet from 18 aircraft to 62, signaling a major increase in capacity and service standards.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali told Reuters that the government expects operational control of PIA to be handed over to the new owners by April 2026, subject to approvals from the Privatisation Commission board and the federal cabinet.
He said the privatisation contract is likely to be signed within the next two weeks, followed by a 90-day period to complete financial and regulatory formalities. The move is being seen as a major step toward reviving PIA and restoring its international operations after years of suspension and restructuring.
