PIA Achieves Major Milestone on Manchester Routes
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has served 104, 845 passengers on its Manchester-Islamabad and Manchester-Lahore routes since launching the two services in October 2025 and July 2026, respectively.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has served 104, 845 passengers on its Manchester-Islamabad and Manchester-Lahore routes since launching the two services in October 2025 and July 2026, respectively.
Article outline
- What happened
- Reaction
- The bottom line
Key points
- In July 2026, PIA expanded its Manchester operations by introducing a weekly flight to Lahore.
- Afzal Khan, MP for Manchester Rusholme, additionally described the routes as a boost for local communities and the regional economy.
- The airline initially operated two weekly flights between Manchester and Islamabad after launching the route.
- The main imports included fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, pharmaceutical products, clothing and fabrics.
In practice, the airline initially operated two weekly flights between Manchester and Islamabad after launching the route. It rose the frequency to four weekly flights after solid demand, with departures on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Airblue Launches Flights on 2 New Routes.
In July 2026, PIA expanded its Manchester operations by introducing a weekly flight to Lahore. The service operates on Wednesdays. The two routes have additionally handled 1, 541 tonnes of cargo, including 1, 412 tonnes imported into the UK and 129 tonnes shipped to Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the main imports included fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, pharmaceutical products, clothing and fabrics. Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe remarked the direct links connect communities in northern England with Pakistan while supporting regional economic development.
Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South and Walkden, welcomed the return of direct flights, saying they had created travel more convenient for British Pakistanis and provided greater flexibility for family visits. AirSial Starts Daily Flights on New Domestic Route.
Afzal Khan, MP for Manchester Rusholme, additionally described the routes as a boost for local communities and the regional economy. The services provide direct connections for the sizeable British Pakistani community throughout northern England, including residents of Manchester and Bradford. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest news and stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover. Follow on Google News Join WhatsApp. See more ProPakistani stories in Google Search and Top Stories.
Taken together, the developments around PIA Achieves Major Milestone on Manchester Routes point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.




