ISLAMABAD— Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will increase its direct London service from four to seven flights per week from October 27, strengthening its presence on a key Pakistan-UK air route.
The revised schedule will provide daily connectivity to the British capital, with five weekly flights departing from Islamabad International Airport (ISB).
The remaining two services will operate from Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) in Lahore to London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
PIA said the higher frequency reflects stronger passenger demand and growing confidence in its international operations as the airline continues rebuilding its UK network.
Pakistan International Airlines London Schedule Update
Under the new schedule, Islamabad will become the main departure point for PIA’s London operation, accounting for five of the seven weekly flights.
Lahore will have two weekly services, giving passengers from Punjab a direct option to travel to the UK capital.
The move represents a 75% increase in PIA’s weekly London frequency, rising from four flights to seven.
The daily schedule is expected to offer greater flexibility for passengers travelling between Pakistan and Britain for business, family visits, tourism and other purposes.
PIA’s expansion also comes as the carrier continues to restore international connectivity that was disrupted by its years-long restrictions in several major aviation markets.
The airline currently operates four weekly London flights before the October 27 increase takes effect.
UK Ban Lifted
The expansion follows a series of regulatory developments that enabled PIA to return to the UK market.
Britain removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List on July 16, 2025, allowing Pakistani airlines to seek approval to resume commercial operations in the country.
PIA subsequently secured the necessary UK approval in September 2025 after a suspension of nearly five years.
Manchester became the first UK destination in the airline’s renewed network before PIA restored direct London services in March 2026.
The earlier restrictions followed the May 2020 crash of a PIA Airbus A320 in Karachi, which killed 97 people.
Concerns over Pakistan’s aviation safety oversight and pilot licensing contributed to the restrictions, with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency later lifting its PIA ban in November 2024.
PIA UK Expansion
The London increase marks another stage in PIA’s effort to rebuild its international network after the prolonged absence from British skies. The UK remains an important market for Pakistan because of established travel, family and business links between the two countries.
PIA’s latest schedule will give passengers more opportunities to fly directly between Pakistan and London without relying on connecting services, Gulf News reported.
The carrier’s decision to add three weekly flights also indicates that demand has strengthened since its return to the London market.
The expansion will take effect on October 27, bringing PIA’s London operation to a daily service.
The airline said the additional flights are being introduced in response to rising demand and increased passenger confidence in its international services.
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