Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed its flights to London after a six-year suspension, marking a significant comeback for the carrier following a turbulent period marred by safety concerns and regulatory bans. The airline's return to London Heathrow Airport commenced on March 29, with services now operating four times weekly, including three flights from Islamabad and one from Lahore.
Background to the Ban and Safety Issues
The suspension stemmed from a tragic incident in 2020 when a PIA plane crashed in Karachi, southern Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of 97 people. This disaster prompted a widespread ban on PIA operating routes in Europe, America, and the UK, as authorities investigated the causes and uncovered deeper systemic problems within the airline's operations.
Pilot Exam Cheating Scandal Unveiled
An investigation into the crash revealed alarming findings, with then-aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan disclosing that nearly a third of Pakistani pilots had cheated on their exams. Out of 860 licensed pilots in Pakistan, 262 were identified as having not taken the exams themselves and lacking proper flying experience. In response, PIA grounded 150 pilots suspected of fraud, with spokesman Abdullah Hafeez vowing to ensure unqualified pilots never fly again.
Financial and Operational Impact
The ban inflicted severe financial damage on PIA, costing the airline approximately £123 million annually in lost revenue. This setback compounded existing reputational challenges, including a 2017 incident where PIA admitted to overfilling a flight with seven extra passengers standing in the aisle, and a 2016 event where ground staff sacrificed a goat next to an aircraft to ward off bad luck after a crash that killed 47 people.
Resumption of Services and Future Plans
PIA's return to London Heathrow is part of a broader effort to rebuild its European network. The airline announced direct flights from Lahore to London starting March 30, 2026, promising a convenient and comfortable travel option for families, students, and business travellers. These non-stop flights take around eight hours and feature comfortable onboard services, generous baggage allowances, and traditional Pakistani hospitality.
Expansion to Other European Destinations
Following the resumption of flights to Europe in 2025, with twice-weekly services to Paris inaugurated by defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, PIA has expanded its operations. In October, the airline began running three weekly flights to Manchester from Islamabad, signalling a gradual recovery and commitment to re-establishing its presence in key markets.
The revival of PIA's London routes represents a critical step in the airline's journey to restore trust and operational stability after years of scrutiny and setbacks.
