ISLAMABAD: PIA Expands UK Operations by increasing its London flights to a daily schedule and planning to resume direct flights to Birmingham from December 1, 2026. The move is expected to improve air connectivity between Pakistan and the United Kingdom and provide greater convenience for overseas Pakistanis and other passengers travelling between the two countries.
Under the revised schedule, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will operate five weekly flights to London from Islamabad and two from Lahore, bringing the total to seven flights per week. The expanded schedule is expected to offer passengers more travel options and facilitate business, family and other travel between Pakistan and Britain.
PIA Expands UK Operations with Birmingham Flights and Fleet Modernisation
Alongside the increased London frequency, PIA plans to resume direct flights to Birmingham on December 1, 2026, restoring another important connection for passengers travelling between Pakistan and the UK.
The airline is also reportedly preparing to introduce Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft into its fleet for the first time. The move could strengthen its long-haul capacity and support its broader operational modernisation plans.
These developments follow the reported transfer of PIA’s management to a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation on June 29, 2026, as the national carrier seeks to improve its services and expand its international network.
PIA’s UK Expansion Follows the Removal of Aviation Restrictions
The latest expansion marks another step in PIA’s recovery from years of international aviation restrictions. The airline faced significant regulatory challenges after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency suspended its authorisation to operate in the EU in June 2020, following concerns over aviation safety and pilot licensing standards after the crash of Flight PK8303 in Karachi.
The European Union lifted its ban on PIA in November 2024, while the United Kingdom removed Pakistan from its air safety restriction list in July 2025. PIA subsequently resumed direct flights to London in March 2026.
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The planned increase in London services and the resumption of Birmingham flights are expected to further strengthen the airline’s presence in the UK market and improve travel options for passengers on both sides.
