PIA restarts Islamabad-London service with inaugural flight

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed its London flight operations after a gap of six years on Sunday, restoring a long-standing route between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The airline’s first flight, PK-785, departed from Islamabad to London carrying 325 passengers. The flight was seen off by Defence Secretary Lieutenant General (retd) Muhammad Ali and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott. A simple but dignified ceremony was held at Islamabad airport before departure, attended by PIA Consortium Chairman Arif Habib and senior aviation officials. Read: PIA to resume direct London flights after six-year hiatus A cake was cut to mark the occasion, while a raffle draw was held in which a 660cc car was awarded to a passenger. Other passengers were also presented with gifts. Addressing the ceremony, the defence secretary said the resumption of flights would further strengthen ties between the two countries and their people. The British high commissioner congratulated PIA on the restoration of its London operations. Read more: PIA completes preparations for Hajj operations PIA said it aims to provide direct travel facilities to more than 1.6 million Pakistanis residing in the United Kingdom. Commemorative shields were also presented to distinguished guests by the airline’s chief executive officer. The airline will begin weekly flights from Lahore to London from March 30. Initially, PIA will operate four weekly flights between Pakistan and London, including three from Islamabad and one from Lahore. Also read: Airlines raise fares as jet fuel prices spike, supplies tighten London was PIA’s first international destination, and the airline has a 71-year-old association with the route.