Good news! PIA to resume flights to the UK from October 25. This long‑awaited news is bringing relief to thousands of travellers. After a five‑year ban, Pakistan International Airlines will restart direct flights to Manchester from 25 October 2025. The UK has approved the airline after strict safety checks and years of reforms in Pakistan’s aviation sector.

So, which route will PIA be flying to? Also, what ticket price to expect? In this blog, we’re explaining everything, including how you can book your UK-Pakistan flights within minutes. 

Let’s begin!

Key Takeaways

• PIA is restarting direct flights to the UK on 25 October 2025, starting with Manchester.

• The UK lifted the five‑year ban after Pakistan improved pilot licensing and safety standards.

• British Airways already runs a direct flight from London Heathrow to Islamabad.

• One‑stop flights through Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul are still widely available.

• A direct flight between Pakistan and the UK takes just over eight hours.

• Return fares average around £610 but rise during Eid, school holidays, and wedding season.

• Booking six to eight weeks ahead gives you the best chance of lower fares.

• UK travellers should avoid only certain areas of Pakistan such as Balochistan and border zones.

Why was PIA banned from UK Airspace?

Pakistan International Airlines, also known as PIA, was banned from flying to the United Kingdom in June 2020. This ban came after very serious safety concerns. The UK authorities wanted to protect passengers and make sure all airlines flying in and out of the country followed strict safety rules.

Here are the details of why the UK banned PIA:

Reason 01: The Karachi Plane Crash That Raised Serious Concerns

In May 2020, a PIA flight from Lahore to Karachi crashed just before landing. The plane tried to land without lowering its wheels. It touched the runway and damaged both engines, then lifted off again, but crashed into houses shortly after. Ninety-seven people lost their lives in the accident.

This PIA crash made international headlines. The investigation found that both the pilots and air traffic controllers made mistakes. The pilots had ignored warnings. They were also discussing personal matters during the flight. The crash made many people in the UK feel very uneasy, especially those who had used PIA for years.

Reason 02: Pilot Licence Problems That Made Things Worse

Soon after the crash, the aviation minister in Pakistan gave a statement in the National Assembly. He said that around forty percent of the country's commercial pilots had fake or questionable licences.

The UK, the European Union, and several other countries acted quickly. They suspended PIA flights. No one wanted to risk passenger safety.

In the UK, passengers became worried. After hearing this news, they no longer felt safe putting loved ones on a PIA flight. 

When Is PIA Resuming Flights to the UK?

Pakistan International Airlines will restart its direct flights to the United Kingdom on 25 October 2025. This is the first time in five years that the airline is allowed to fly passengers directly from Pakistan to the UK.

The first flights will connect Pakistan to Manchester. At the start, there will be two direct flights every week. Later on, PIA is planning to add more routes, including to London and Birmingham. 

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has already given PIA a permit to fly. This means the airline has passed the safety checks and is now officially allowed to return. PIA also confirmed that it is fully ready to fly.

In Pakistan, this news was met with a lot of relief and happiness. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the lifting of the ban will make travel easier. It will also help trade between the two countries grow. He also mentioned that over 1.6 million people of Pakistani background live in the UK. For many of them, flying PIA is cheaper and more convenient.

Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif called it a big achievement. He said the return of PIA shows that the hard work done over the last three years has paid off. He also confirmed that another airline from Pakistan, Airblue, can also now apply to fly to the UK.

What Steps Did Pakistan Take to Regain UK Flight Approval?

To regain permission for its airlines to fly to the UK, Pakistan had to follow strict safety reforms. The UK’s Air Safety Committee reviewed these steps over several years before deciding to allow PIA.

Pakistan Introduced Stronger Pilot Checks and Licence Verification

One of the first major steps was to fix how pilot licences were issued. After the 2020 pilot scandal, many licences were found to be fake or improperly issued. Pakistan's aviation authority then began a full review. All pilot credentials were re-checked, and licences that did not meet international standards were cancelled.

Aircraft safety checks were also tightened. Airlines had to prove that their aircraft were being properly maintained and operated under safe procedures.

The UK Reviewed Pakistan’s Reforms Through Regular Oversight

The UK’s Air Safety Committee stayed in close contact with Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority throughout the process. British aviation experts looked closely at:

• Safety data

• Pilot records

Once the UK was fully confident in Pakistan’s progress, it lifted the air safety ban.

Which Airlines Are Currently Flying from Pakistan to the UK?

Here are the airlines flying from Pakistan to the UK:

• Pakistan International Airlines (directly from 25 October 2025)

• British Airways (from London Heathrow to Islamabad)

• Qatar Airways (via Doha)

• Emirates (via Dubai)

• Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi)

• Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul)

• Saudia (via Jeddah or Riyadh)

• Gulf Air (via Bahrain)

• Kuwait Airways (via Kuwait City)

• Oman Air (via Muscat)

Are There Direct Flights Available from Pakistan to the UK?

Yes, there are direct flights from Pakistan to the United Kingdom, but they are limited. British Airways currently operates a direct flight from London Heathrow to Islamabad. From 25 October 2025, Pakistan International Airlines will also restart its direct service to Manchester.

A direct flight is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel between the two countries. It avoids stopovers and cuts down total travel time.

How Long Does a Direct Flight from Pakistan to the UK Take?

A direct flight from Pakistan to the United Kingdom usually takes just over 8 hours. In comparison, if you take a one-stop flight, the total travel time can range from 11 to 16 hours. This depends on the stopover location and the waiting time between connecting flights.

How Much Does a Return Ticket from Pakistan to the UK Cost?

A return flight from Pakistan to the UK usually costs around £610 if you book in advance and choose economy class. Prices can change depending on the airline and how early you book.

If you are flying during busy travel periods such as Eid, ticket prices can go up quickly. It is common to see return fares of £700 or more during these high-demand times.

Direct flights are usually more expensive than one-stop flights. However, many people choose them for comfort and shorter travel times. 

How Early Should You Book a Pakistan–UK Flight?

You should book your flight from Pakistan to the UK at least six to eight weeks before you plan to travel. If you are travelling during a busy season like summer holidays or Eid, it is better to book even earlier. Flights during these times fill up quickly, and prices rise fast. 

Booking in advance also gives you more flight options, especially if you are looking for a direct route. Also, make sure your passport and visa are ready before you buy your ticket. 

Is It Safe to Visit Pakistan?

Yes, it is safe to visit most parts of Pakistan, but there are some areas you should avoid. The UK government advises against all travel to areas within ten miles of the Pakistan–Afghanistan border and most of Balochistan province. These regions are not considered safe for tourists.

You should also avoid travel to the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. These places can sometimes experience conflict or security problems.

Before you travel, it is a good idea to check the latest updates from the UK Foreign Office. If you follow the advice and stay in the recommended areas, you are likely to have a safe and enjoyable trip.

What Documents Are Required to Fly from Pakistan to the UK?

To fly from Pakistan to the UK, you must have the right documents. 

• A valid passport with at least six months left before expiry

• A UK visa that matches the reason for your visit

• A return or onward ticket to show when you plan to leave the UK

• Details of where you will stay, such as a hotel booking or an invitation from a family member

• Financial proof to show you can support yourself while in the UK

• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

How to Book Flights to Pakistan from the UK

At CheapFlightsFare, we make booking flights from the UK to Pakistan quick and easy. You can call us on 020 8432 9595 to speak to one of our travel agents. You can also send us a message on WhatsApp using the same number, or email your request to info@cheapflightsfare.uk.

We are open from Monday to Saturday, between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, and we are happy to guide you step-by-step. 

How to Book Flights to the UK from Pakistan

If you are in Pakistan and want to fly to the United Kingdom, CheapFlightsFare is here to help. Just call us at 020 8432 9595, send a message through WhatsApp, or email us at info@cheapflightsfare.uk. Our team is available from Monday to Saturday, between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM UK time.

We will help you pick the flight that works best for your travel dates.

Conclusion

PIA’s return to the UK from 25 October 2025 is indeed great news. After years of delays, people can now look forward to direct flights again. Families will find it easier to visit loved ones. Plus, the travellers will save time and stress on every journey. To book your flight tickets, visit CheapFlightsFare. We will help you find flights in your budget!