KARACHI: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the expansion of its British operations with the resumption of direct flights to London after a six-year gap. Starting from March 29, PIA will operate four weekly flights from Islamabad to London, a PIA spokesman said. The flights will operate from Heathrow Airport’s state-of-the-art Terminal 4, restoring connectivity on one of the airline’s most important and attractive international routes. The London route holds special significance for PIA as it was the airline’s first international destination and remains one of its most sought-after connections, he added. The resumption comes after a lengthy suspension that lasted six years, during which thousands of Pakistani travellers were forced to rely on alternative carriers for travel between Pakistan and the British capital. The PIA is already operating three weekly flights to Manchester, and the addition of the London service represents a major boost to the airline’s UK operations. The expanded British network is expected to cater to the substantial Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom, as well as business travellers and tourists moving between the two countries. The restoration of the London route is seen as a crucial step in PIA’s efforts to rebuild its international network and strengthen its position in the competitive aviation market. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025