PIA to resume direct Islamabad, Lahore–London flights from March 29–30: Asif

Islamabad: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is resuming direct flights from Islamabad and Lahore to London Heathrow at the end of March 2026, announced Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Aviation, on Thursday.

“I am delighted to announce that PIA is commencing direct flights from Islamabad and Lahore to London Heathrow on 29 and 30 March, 2026, respectively,” said Asif, in a post on social media, while congratulating the Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom.

He said their government took significant measures to resume direct flights to London soon after starting flights to Manchester. On this occasion, I convey my gratitude to British High Commissioner in Pakistan, Department for Transport UK, Ministry of Defence, PCAA and PIA for their untiring efforts to achieve this milestone.  

I am delighted to announce that PIA is commencing direct flights from Islamabad and Lahore to London Heathrow on 29 and 30 March 2026 respectively. Congratulations to the entire Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom, elderly people, businessmen and large number of students who…

— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) March 26, 2026

It is an apt place to celebrate the timely privatization of PIA and acknowledge the rapid improvements in short span of time. The Pakistani nation will soon witness the expansion of PIA fleet and revival of its network of direct flights to more destinations in UK, Europe and Canada.

"Our Government is also working closely with Aviation authority of USA to revive direct flight operations to USA.   I wish all stakeholders a brighter future after successful transformation of Aviation sector in Pakistan, acknowledged by all International Aviation Authorities," the minister added.