ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed its air operations to London after a hiatus of six years. This marks a major milestone in the history of PIA. The first flight, PK 325, left Islamabad International Airport for London with a full load of passengers.
A simple but dignified ceremony was held at Islamabad Airport before the departure of the flight. The ceremony was attended by the Chairman of PIA Consortium, Arif Habib. The event was attended by the Chairman of PIA Consortium, Arif Habib, along with senior aviation officials. The flight was bid farewell by Secretary of Defence, Lieutenant General (R) Mohammad Ali, and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott.
The inaugural flight ceremony also featured a cake-cutting ceremony, and a lucky passenger won a 660 cc car through a raffle draw. Other passengers were also offered gifts as part of the event.
In his address to the audience, the Secretary of Defence commented, “This flight will further strengthen the ties between the two nations and their peoples.” British High Commissioner Jane Marriott congratulated PIA for restarting its flights to London and highlighted the significance of the route.
During the event, commemorative shields were handed over to the guests by the Chief Executive Officer of PIA, giving the event a ceremonial look.
In his statement, a spokesperson for PIA announced, “PIA is committed to providing direct flights to over 1.6 million Pakistanis living in the UK.” Starting from March 30, PIA will also begin its flights from Lahore to London.
In his announcement, the spokesperson further added, “Initially, PIA will operate four flights a week from Pakistan to London, three from Islamabad and one from Lahore.” London is PIA’s first international route, and the airline has maintained a 71-year relationship with it.
