UK: PIA adds new flights to Manchester

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Pakistani flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), has announced that it will launch new nonstop flights to the United Kingdom. The airline will commence flights between Islamabad (ISB) and Manchester (MAN).

The flights will begin on August 16, 2025. The new connection expands Pakistan International Airlines’ UK presence, providing four weekly flights to Northwest England.

Pakistani flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), has announced that the airline will launch new nonstop flights to the United Kingdom.

PIA’s new Islamabad–Manchester service marks the airline’s first UK route after its revised international operations. Notably, this launch does not include London or Birmingham, cities traditionally served by PIA in the past.

The choice of Manchester as the starting point should be due to both operational considerations and the city’s large Pakistani community. It also signals a possible reorientation in the airline’s UK strategy as it restarts long-haul services following recent restructuring efforts.

Manchester has a significant Pakistani population and is a long-standing demand point for direct connectivity with Pakistan. The new route reflects PIA’s attempt to utilize its available long-haul aircraft more efficiently, particularly following adjustments to its fleet and network.

Flights will operate four days a week on every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. PIA will be using a Boeing 777-200ER for this route, which has a typical range of over 13,000 kilometers.

PIA’s Boeing 777-200ER has a capacity of 329 seats for passengers, featuring 35 Business Class seats and 294 Economy seats. Flight PK701 will depart from Islamabad at 12:05 PM PKT and will arrive in Manchester at 5:00 PM GMT. The return flight, PK702, will depart from Manchester at 7:00 PM GMT and will land in Islamabad at 6:50 AM PKT (next day).

The schedule enables daytime arrival into the UK and early-morning return to Islamabad, potentially benefiting both business and leisure passengers.

PIA’s typical in-flight service includes meals with Pakistani options and basic onboard amenities, subject to aircraft availability and load factors.