Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced this Wednesday that it will resume direct flights to the United Kingdom next month, following a five-year ban. This move comes at a key moment, just ahead of the planned privatization of the state-owned airline this year, and marks the return of its most profitable route.
UK Authorization and Initial Operations
According to an official statement, the UK has given PIA the green light to resume both passenger and cargo operations. The plan involves starting flights from Islamabad to Manchester, with subsequent expansion to Birmingham and London.
Background of the Suspension
The suspension of operations in the UK and the European Union dates back to 2020, when serious flight safety irregularities were detected. That same year, Pakistan’s then Aviation Minister revealed that some pilots held fake licenses, which led to the immediate cancellation of services to Europe.
Last November, the European Union lifted its ban after confirming the country’s progress in meeting the standards required by international aviation bodies, allowing PIA to resume flights to Paris this past January.
Financial Impact and IMF Pressure
The reactivation of this route coincides with a financial milestone for the airline: PIA reported this month its first pre-tax profit in two decades.
Furthermore, the privatization of the company is an essential requirement of the $7 billion bailout agreement granted to Pakistan by the International Monetary Fund.
Interest from Domestic Investors
The announcement has sparked significant interest from five Pakistani business groups in the upcoming privatization. Among the interested parties are Airblue, Lucky Cement, the investment firm Arif Habib, and the military corporation Fauji Fertilizer.
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