Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially launched its inaugural non-stop flight from Lahore to Manchester. Flight PK709 departed from Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, marking the start of direct air services between the two cities. A simple yet dignified inauguration ceremony was held at the airport, including a cake-cutting event to commemorate the occasion.
Ceremony and Passenger Reactions
PIA Chief Operating Officer Khurram Mushtaq bid farewell to passengers before departure. Travelers welcomed the restoration of direct air connectivity, calling it a significant development for the Pakistani community in the United Kingdom. They expressed confidence that the resumption of direct flights would further strengthen people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the UK. The inaugural flight carried 325 passengers on board.
Expanded Flight Operations
Earlier, the first direct flight from Manchester to Lahore departed last night, seen off by PIA’s local management and officials of the Manchester Airport Group. With this new service, PIA now operates a total of five weekly flights between Pakistan and Manchester. Four of these flights operate from Islamabad, while one weekly flight operates from Lahore. This expansion aims to provide greater convenience and enhanced travel options for the Pakistani diaspora in the UK.
