PIA receives approval for direct UK flights, set to begin operations in October

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially received the Third Country Operator (TCO) approval for the United Kingdom, paving the way for the national carrier to resume direct flights between the two countries. 

According to reports, the approval allows PIA to operate both passenger and cargo flights, which will begin in October with services starting from Manchester.

The UK Department for Transport also granted PIA the Air Cargo Carrier 3 (ACC3) certificate, which is valid for five years, covering both security and cargo operations. 

This development follows the lifting of restrictions by the UK’s Air Safety Committee in July, after air safety improvements were made by Pakistani carriers.

PIA plans to expand its flight operations, with Birmingham and London set to be included in its schedule once services are established. Before the suspension, PIA operated 21 weekly flights to the UK, including 10 to London, 9 to Manchester, and 2 to Birmingham.

The resumption of flights is expected to significantly enhance connectivity for Pakistani passengers traveling to the UK and Europe.