Lahore – Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the resumption of its direct flights between Lahore and London, set to begin from March 30, in a move being widely welcomed by travellers, overseas Pakistanis, and the aviation industry alike.
According to the national flag carrier, the revived route will operate between Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, and London Heathrow, restoring a crucial air link that had remained suspended for several years. The announcement marks another significant step in PIA’s gradual return to key international destinations, particularly in the United Kingdom.
PIA officials said the Lahore–London service will initially operate once a week, with the possibility of increasing frequency based on passenger demand and operational feasibility. The airline noted that interest in UK-bound flights has remained consistently high, largely due to the strong presence of the Pakistani diaspora, along with business, education, and family-related travel needs.
The resumption of flights from Lahore follows PIA’s decision to restart Islamabad–London operations from March 29, alongside its existing services to Manchester. With these additions, the airline aims to operate up to seven weekly flights to the UK by the end of March, significantly improving connectivity between Pakistan and Britain.
Aviation analysts view the move as a positive signal for PIA, which has faced years of reduced international operations due to regulatory restrictions and safety concerns. The reopening of major UK routes, particularly from Lahore, is being seen as both a commercial necessity and a reputational milestone for the airline.
Industry observers say the Lahore–London route has historically been among PIA’s most popular international sectors, catering to a large volume of passengers from Punjab and surrounding regions. Its suspension had forced travellers to rely on foreign carriers or indirect routes, often increasing travel time and cost.
PIA officials emphasised that the airline is adopting a phased expansion strategy, focusing on reliability, safety compliance, and service improvement as it rebuilds its international footprint. They added that long-haul flights to the UK will be operated using wide-body aircraft to ensure passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
The return of direct connectivity between Lahore and London is expected to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties, while offering much-needed convenience to passengers who have long awaited the revival of this route. For many, the announcement represents not just the resumption of a flight, but a renewed sense of connection with one of Pakistan’s most important overseas destinations.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.