07424380227
The ban was first imposed in part because of a phony pilot license issue at the airline. This update follows a similar move by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, which allowed Pakistani airlines to fly in its airspace again at the end of 2024. Pakistan International Airlines has been considering a return to the UK, home to nearly two million people of Pakistani heritage.
Why Were Pakistani Airlines Banned in the UK?
In 2020, the UK and EU banned PIA and other Pakistani carriers after a pilot licensing scandal raised global safety concerns. Since then, travellers relied on Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Etihad for flights between Pakistan and the UK, which is home to one of the largest Pakistani communities abroad. Its initial route will connect Islamabad and Leeds via Istanbul, using its fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. The carrier says Manchester will be added next, with talks underway for potential landing rights at Heathrow. the UK’s busiest hub.
How Did Pakistan Regain Clearance
The move comes, Reuters notes, as a result of concerted efforts and safety improvements on the part of Pakistani aviation authorities. Indeed, with the initial report into the accident suggesting that the crash had been caused by pilot error, it later arose that, following a probe into Pakistan International Airlines, the carrier had a serious issue with fake pilot licenses. As a result of this, some 150 pilots at the airline were grounded after having been found to either have cheated on their licensing exams or to have been holding fake documents.
Which Airlines Are Cleared to Fly?
Airblue Leads the Way
Private airline Airblue will be the first to restart services in November 2025. Its initial flights will connect Islamabad to Leeds via Istanbul, using Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. The airline has also confirmed plans to expand to Manchester and is in talks for possible Heathrow landing rights. This is expected to boost trade ties and help exporters of textiles, fresh produce, and IT equipment.
A PIA spokesperson called the development a “milestone in the revival of the organisation,” noting that the licence shows international confidence in the airline.
Benefit for Passengers
According to a PIA spokesperson, the carrier will use a phased approach to restore routes, focusing on both passengers and cargo. “This progress is a milestone in the revival of the organisation,” the spokesperson said, adding that the clearance reflects “renewed international confidence in PIA’s operations.”
1. Affordable & Direct Travel
Acording to The Economic Times, the United Kingdom first imposed a ban on Pakistani airlines like PIA from using its airspace in June of 2020. This came in the aftermath of a crash involving a Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A320, where almost 100 people died after the narrowbody twinjet came down in a residential area in Karachi. The subsequent investigation revealed a major scandal at PIA.
2-Stronger UK–Pakistan Connections
In 2020, the UK and EU aviation regulators banned PIA and other Pakistani carriers after a pilot licensing scandal raised global safety concerns. The suspension left hundreds of thousands of Pakistani travellers dependent on Middle Eastern and European airlines for connections to Britain, which is home to one of the largest Pakistani diaspora communities outside South Asia.
Impact on Cargo & Trade
1. Boost for Exporters
PIA CEO and Airblue executives have both thanked the Pakistani government and civil aviation authorities for their support in meeting UK regulatory requirements. The approvals also align with Islamabad’s broader push to privatise and restructure PIA in hopes of making it more competitive internationally.
2. Stronger UK–Pakistan Connections
While the ban was in place, airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines controlled most of the flights between Pakistan and the UK.
3.Convinience for overseas Pakistanis
This is a major win for Pakistan International Airlines, since the UK is an important market due to its large Pakistani community. While flights will not resume immediately, there is already a lot of anticipation about when they will start again.
Economic and Strategic Impact
PIA CEO and Airblue executives have both thanked the Pakistani government and civil aviation authorities for their support in meeting UK regulatory requirements. The approvals also align with Islamabad’s broader push to privatise and restructure PIA in hopes of making it more competitive internationally.
Conclusion
Industry analysts say Airblue’s early move is a smart strategy, especially since Britain’s ban left a gap in the busy UK to Pakistan Cargo and travel market. The airline first applied to serve Manchester in July but decided to begin with Leeds before expanding.