ISLAMABAD: After half a decade grounded from one of its most crucial international markets, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is finally cleared for takeoff to the United Kingdom.
But while the headlines celebrate the UK’s formal lifting of the ban on Pakistani airlines, the real story begins now — in the corridors of aviation regulators, in financial planning rooms, and, ultimately, in the skies.
The Path Ahead
The British Department for Transport’s July 16 announcement officially removed Pakistan from its aviation blacklist, ending a ban that began in 2020 after a damning pilot licensing scandal.
But despite the green light, PIA still cannot launch flights immediately. The airline must now secure a Foreign Carrier Permit from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), submit slot applications at desired airports — initially targeting Manchester — and pass operational audits ensuring crew licensing, safety records, and aircraft readiness comply with European standards.
Once these formalities are completed — a process expected to take 4 to 6 weeks — PIA plans to launch thrice-weekly flights from Islamabad to Manchester, marking its symbolic return.
London and Birmingham routes may follow, subject to demand and regulatory scheduling approvals.
Route to reputation
While financial forecasts vary, the reputational boost from returning to the UK market is arguably even more valuable in the short term.
The UK has one of the largest Pakistani diasporas, over 1.6 million British Pakistanis, many of whom traditionally flew PIA for direct, affordable, and baggage-friendly travel.
PIA’s presence in UK airports isn’t just about revenue, it is about restoring trust with a core customer base long left stranded or forced to rely on foreign carriers.
Industry analysts believe that, even before revenue rebounds fully, restored visibility and market confidence can significantly raise the airline’s perceived value, a critical factor amid ongoing privatisation efforts.
Not just passengers, but cargo too
PIA’s re-entry into the UK isn’t just a matter of ticket sales. British routes are lucrative cargo corridors, particularly for high-demand Pakistani exports such as textiles, surgical instruments, mangoes, and handicrafts.
The resumption of direct cargo services will cut down transit delays and costs incurred by relying on third-party or multi-hop cargo chains through Gulf airlines.
Logistics experts note that freight volumes to the UK dropped by over 40% since PIA’s suspension in 2020.
Even recovering half that figure would provide a substantial foreign exchange boost, especially at a time when Pakistan’s balance of payments remains tight.
Will it earn like before?
Pre-ban, PIA was earning close to PKR 24–26 billion annually from its UK operations, with nearly 40% coming from London Heathrow alone.
But today’s market dynamics are different. Competing airlines have captured much of PIA’s previous market share, and winning it back will require aggressive pricing, strong service recovery, and operational reliability.
Initial earnings estimates after resumption are expected to be more modest — around PKR 9–12 billion annually, according to civil aviation officials.
However, aviation economist Irfan Shahzad argues that “upfront earnings may be less important than the multiplier effects — ranging from downstream tourism, trade logistics, remittance facilitation, and brand value in privatisation bids.”
Privatisation tailwinds
The return to UK skies comes at a strategically perfect time for PIA’s pending privatisation. Four consortiums are currently in the race to acquire a majority stake in the national carrier.
Access to high-yield routes like the UK, and potentially New York later, will play a pivotal role in how bidders value the airline’s asset strength and future revenue potential.
The resumption also bolsters PIA’s narrative as a recovering airline rather than a struggling entity, a narrative shift that can yield stronger offers, better terms, and global investment confidence.
National moment
The return of PIA to British runways will not be just a corporate milestone — it will be a national morale booster.
It re-establishes a physical and emotional bridge between Pakistani communities in the UK and their homeland.
For passengers, it means greater choice, easier baggage policies, and a feeling of flying “home” with their own airline.
For Pakistan’s aviation industry, it’s a moment of redemption. And for PIA, it’s an opportunity — not just to fly again, but to rebuild from the runway up.
