Uncertainty Surrounds Resumption of Pakistan-UK Direct Flights
The much-anticipated restart of direct flights between Pakistan and the United Kingdom remains uncertain, as no official date has been confirmed despite the UK lifting its ban on Pakistani airlines last month.
Industry sources reveal that the delay is linked to the requirement for a Third-Country Operator (TCO) license. However, confusion persists over whether the responsibility to secure the license lies with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or the airlines themselves.
The CAA has maintained that airlines must obtain the license independently, while carriers argue that the process should be facilitated by the regulator.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has clarified that it will release a flight schedule only after receiving formal approval. Private carriers, on the other hand, insist they are ready to resume services immediately once the licensing hurdle is cleared.
Initially, authorities suggested flights could restart by mid-August or early September. However, with those deadlines now passed, passengers remain uncertain about when services will resume, causing frustration for travelers awaiting direct connectivity.
For now, the resumption of Pakistan-UK flights hangs in the balance, with regulatory approvals standing as the final barrier.
