New Route of the Day (1 July 2026): PIA between Manchester and Lahore

Pakistan’s flag carrier PIA launched flights between Manchester and Lahore on Wednesday 1 July. The 6,065-kilometre route will be maintained weekly with the 777-200 aircraft. The carrier faces no competition between the two cities.

Flight PK710 departs Manchester at 19:10 local time, arriving in Lahore at 07:30 local time the following morning. The return service, operating as flight PK709, departs at 12:00 local time on Thursdays, arriving back in Manchester at 17:00 local time.

What they said

Wajid Saleem, District Manager at PIA, said: “For the Pakistani diaspora and frequent travellers, this is more than just a flight path, it’s the restoration of vital people-to-people ties, and a route deeply rooted in emotional attachment to our national flag carrier. ​With this addition, PIA now safely bridges Pakistan and Manchester with five weekly flights, four from Islamabad and one from Lahore. ​Congratulations to everyone involved in steering this new chapter forward. Seeing 325 passengers board the flight with so much excitement reminded us all of the deep emotional connection people share with PIA.”

PIA expands Europe network after ban

PIA was banned from European and UK airspace in 2020 after a fatal crash in Karachi and a subsequent investigation that revealed widespread issues with pilot licensing in Pakistan. Both EASA and the UK placed PIA on their restricted lists.

It took years of reform to earn back access. EASA lifted its ban in November 2024, and the UK followed in July 2025 after a full safety audit by the Department for Transport.

PIA resumed European flights to Paris CDG in early 2025 and, the Islamabad – Manchester route in October 2025 before adding London in March 2026.

In total, PIA now boasts 11-weekly flights between Pakistan and Europe, nine of which are to the UK.