Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the restoration of two important international routes, resuming Lahore-Manchester flights after a five-year suspension and restarting weekly Islamabad-Beijing services following a two-month break. The move is expected to improve travel options for passengers heading to the United Kingdom and China while expanding the airline’s overseas network.
According to PIA, the first Manchester-Lahore flight will operate on July 1, followed by the inaugural Lahore-Manchester service on July 2 using a Boeing 777 aircraft. Demand has been exceptionally strong, with all 310 seats on the July 2 flight already fully booked, reflecting growing passenger interest in the restored route.
The airline noted that its operations to the United Kingdom were suspended in 2020 after a ban on its UK services. However, Islamabad-Manchester flights resumed last year, and the return of the Lahore-Manchester route marks another major step in rebuilding PIA’s presence in the British aviation market.
Meanwhile, PIA will also restart weekly two-way flights between Islamabad and Beijing from July 3 using a Boeing 777 aircraft. The route had remained suspended since April 10 because of the security situation in the Middle East, but improved operational conditions have now allowed the airline to resume services.
PIA said the restoration of both international routes demonstrates its commitment to gradually reviving suspended operations as conditions improve. The airline expects the renewed services to strengthen connectivity with key international destinations while offering greater convenience to passengers travelling between Pakistan, the United Kingdom and China.