The UK and Pakistan are experiencing a resurgence in their bilateral air travel market, following a period of reduced capacity caused by the pandemic. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is scheduled to restore its Islamabad-London Heathrow route on 29 March 2026, marking its second service to the UK since the relaxation of a five-year ban known to have hindered its operations. The airline previously resumed flights between Islamabad and Manchester in October 2025.
Meanwhile, British Airways, the only other UK-based airline currently servicing Pakistan, shifted its Islamabad-London route from Heathrow to Gatwick in 2024. This change reflects ongoing adjustments in airline route planning within the UK-Pakistan corridor.
Adding to this positive trend, Norse Atlantic UK has recently received approval to operate flights between the UK and Islamabad. This development is expected to further stimulate market recovery and increase connectivity between the two countries, providing travelers with more options and supporting the broader growth of the bilateral aviation sector.
Industry analysts view these developments as a sign of renewed confidence and potential expansion in the UK-Pakistan air travel market, which could lead to increased passenger volumes and greater commercial opportunities in the near future.
