PIA To Resume UK Flights As IndiGo Adds Manchester, London Routes

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is returning to the UK market later this month after a five-year ban, restoring nonstop flights between Islamabad and Manchester Airport (MAN).

The move comes as Indian carrier IndiGo prepares to expand at MAN with new long-haul service from New Delhi, three months after launching flights from Mumbai. Together, the additions signal a revival of direct South Asian connectivity to northern England.

PIA will resume flights on Oct. 25, operating twice a week using Boeing 777 aircraft. The route will provide about 1,300 two-way weekly seats between Manchester and Islamabad, according to OAG Schedules Analyser data.

The move follows the UK Civil Aviation Authority's September decision to grant Third Country Operator certification to PIA, after lifting a safety-related ban in July. The airline had been barred from UK skies since a fatal May 2020 Airbus A320 crash near Karachi, Pakistan, that exposed widespread pilot licensing irregularities, prompting international blacklisting.

Although the European Union reinstated PIA’s access in November 2024, the UK delayed its approval pending verification of Pakistan’s improved aviation safety oversight.

PIA’s return to Manchester restores nonstop connectivity to a key market that has seen sustained demand despite limited service. According to Sabre Market Intelligence, overall UK-Pakistan traffic totaled 1.46 million two-way passengers in 2024, up nearly 9% from 2019, even though 97% of travelers were forced to fly indirect through hubs such as Doha, Dubai and Istanbul. London-Islamabad was the largest city pair with 299,000 passengers last year, followed by Manchester-Islamabad with 269,000.

The UK is home to Europe’s largest Pakistani diaspora—totaling more than 1.6 million people, as per the UK’s 2021 census—with significant concentrations in the northwest and Yorkshire regions within MAN’s catchment.

Before the 2020 suspension, PIA operated seven nonstop UK routes, including services from Islamabad, Lahore and Sialkot to both London Heathrow and Manchester. British Airways currently provides the sole direct link between the two countries, flying three times per week from London Gatwick to Islamabad using 777s.

Meanwhile, IndiGo is deepening its footprint at Manchester. The Indian carrier has announced plans to begin 4X-weekly New Delhi-Manchester flights from Nov. 15, operated with 787-9 aircraft damp-leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. The route follows the debut of its 3X-weekly Mumbai-Manchester service in July, its first Western European long-haul route, which has since increased to four frequencies per week.

Sabre data show Manchester-India traffic exceeded 300,000 two-way passengers in 2024, led by Mumbai, Kochi and then New Delhi. Research by Metro Dynamics projects the Mumbai route alone could generate £32.9 million ($44 million) in additional exports, £12.1 million in annual economic value, and 250 new jobs across northern England.

Manchester’s South Asian links have historically been strong, reflecting deep cultural and family ties. Around 540,000 people of Indian origin live in northern England, according to regional investment agency Midas. IndiGo’s Delhi route—alongside PIA’s relaunch—will therefore re-establish direct access to both India and Pakistan for the region’s large diaspora, while supporting trade and tourism growth.

Additionally, IndiGo has confirmed its UK expansion will further accelerate with the launch of daily Mumbai-London Heathrow (LHR) flights from Oct. 26, operated using 787-9 aircraft. The airline had previously announced plans to serve LHR but had not specified which Indian city would be connected.

“The India-UK corridor has long held significant relevance, not only because of strong bilateral ties, but also due to the growing traffic between the two countries driven by students, visiting friends and relatives, business and leisure travelers,” IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers says.