PIA London Operations March 2026
PIA London Operations March 2026: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to expand its operations to the United Kingdom with a significant increase in flights from Islamabad to London starting March 29, 2026. The new schedule will see four weekly direct flights operating every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. This expansion is part of PIA broader strategy to strengthen its international network and cater to growing demand from both the Pakistani diaspora and business travelers.
The airline’s decision comes after successfully relaunching its UK operations in October 2025. Initially, PIA restarted direct flights from Islamabad to Manchester, running two weekly services on Saturdays and Tuesdays. The addition of Islamabad-London flights highlights the national carrier’s commitment to providing more travel options for passengers and increasing connectivity between Pakistan and key UK destinations.
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| Route | Frequency | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Islamabad to London | 4 weekly | Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday |
| Islamabad to Manchester | 2 weekly | Saturday, Tuesday |
Ownership and Investment Changes
The timing of this expansion coincides with a major change in PIA’s ownership structure. In December 2025, a Pakistani consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation acquired a 75% stake in the airline through a televised privatization auction in Islamabad. The winning bid, valued at approximately Rs. 135 billion, secured PIA’s privatization while surpassing competing offers from groups including a Lucky Cement–led consortium and Airblue.
This transition is expected to bring fresh investment and operational improvements to the airline, further supporting its international growth plans. Under the new ownership, PIA aims to enhance service quality, expand its network, and regain passenger trust while strengthening its presence in the UK market.
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Key Highlights of PIA’s UK Operations
- Four weekly direct flights from Islamabad to London starting March 29, 2026
- Flights scheduled every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
- Expansion aimed at serving Pakistani diaspora and business travelers
- Initial UK flights to Manchester relaunched with two weekly services in October 2025
- New ownership by Arif Habib Corporation with a 75% stake acquired for Rs. 135 billion
Benefits for Passengers and Market Impact
Direct flights to London will allow passengers to save time and enjoy more convenient travel schedules, enhancing PIA’s competitiveness in the international market. By connecting Islamabad to major UK cities, PIA aims to strengthen trade, tourism, and cultural ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
The expansion also reflects PIA’s strategy to stabilize and grow its international network following years of operational challenges. Gradually increasing flight frequency and resuming key international routes demonstrates the airline’s commitment to reliable service and improved connectivity for both leisure and business travelers.
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Advantages for Travelers and Investors
- Multiple weekly flight options provide flexibility for passengers
- Direct flights to London reduce travel time significantly
- Improved services under new ownership structure
- Support for trade, business, and cultural travel between Pakistan and the UK
- Enhanced reliability as part of PIA’s international network expansion
With increased flight frequency and privatization-led investment, PIA’s operations to the United Kingdom are set to strengthen in 2026. Passengers can expect more convenient options and improved services, while investors can anticipate a more sustainable and growth-oriented approach from Pakistan’s national airline. The March 2026 expansion marks a major step toward PIA’s resurgence on the international aviation stage.
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