Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has formally received Third Country Operator (TCO) approval from the United Kingdom, allowing the national carrier to resume direct flights to the UK for passengers and cargo. The approval enables PIA to operate flights between Pakistan and the UK without restrictions, the airline announced in a press statement on Wednesday.
PIA to Start UK Direct Flights from October
According to PIA, the airline will begin operations in October with flights from Pakistan to Manchester. After the initial phase, PIA UK direct flights will expand to Birmingham and London once operations are established.
Alongside the TCO approval, the UK Department for Transport has also issued PIA the Air Cargo Carrier 3 (ACC3) certificate for both security and cargo operations. This certification, valid for five years, strengthens PIA’s position to handle passenger and cargo services between Pakistan and the UK.
The development follows the UK Air Safety Committee’s decision in July to lift restrictions on Pakistani carriers after significant safety improvements. Before the suspension, PIA operated 21 weekly flights to the UK, including 10 to London, 9 to Manchester, and 2 to Birmingham.
The restoration of PIA UK direct flights is likely to enhance travel and cargo connectivity to Pakistani passengers and businesses especially those travelling to Europe via UK. PIA hopes to regain its former flight frequency within the next few months with the Third Country Operator approval.
