PIA Resumes UK Operations After Obtaining TCO

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has obtained the Third Country Operator (TCO) authorization, removing a major hurdle in the resumption of its flights to the United Kingdom. The next step is acquiring the Foreign Carrier Permit, for which efforts are currently underway.Just a few days ago, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, had confirmed that PIA was close to securing the TCO. This success is the result of the tireless efforts of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), the Pakistan High Commission, and PIA’s Country Manager in the UK, Nadia Gul, who worked relentlessly and used their influence to push the matter forward.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ishaq Dar, also played a key role during his recent visit to the UK, where he held important meetings and strongly advocated for PIA’s return. On the other side, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, remained in close contact with Dr. Faisal and played an important role in the process.

As a result of these combined efforts, PIA has successfully obtained the TCO. According to reports, the airline is set to launch its first flight on October 28, starting from Manchester and London, with future expansion to other major cities such as Birmingham and Bradford.

The Pakistani community in the UK, particularly in Birmingham, had long been awaiting the early resumption of PIA flights. The public has warmly welcomed the development and called on the Government of Pakistan to recognize the efforts of PIA’s Country Manager in London, Nadia Gul, and Birmingham-based community leader Rafaqat Zaman, who lobbied extensively for the airline’s revival. PIA’s Managing Director, Amir Hayat, has also been praised for his contributions and experience, which played a vital role in this achievement.

The community has further demanded that Nadia Gul’s contract be extended for at least one more year, in recognition of her services. Despite extremely difficult circumstances, she engaged with senior officials, worked tirelessly, and played a key role in bringing PIA back to UK skies.

The Pakistani diaspora in Britain has expressed great joy over the announcement and is eager to travel once again with their national carrier.