PIA to Launch Direct Karachi–London Flights in March 2027 as Fleet Expands
PIA has grown its operational fleet to 17–18 aircraft after privatization and plans direct Karachi–London flights in March 2027, officials told a National Assembly committee.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plans to begin direct flights from Karachi to London in March 2027, part of a wider route expansion following the airline's privatization, officials told a National Assembly Standing Committee on Privatization. The announcement was made by Secretary Privatization Usman Bajwa during a briefing to lawmakers.
According to a PIA general manager, the airline's operational fleet has grown to 17 or 18 aircraft since privatization. Two Boeing 787 Dreamliners are being added, with one already in Pakistan and the second initially scheduled to arrive on December 15, 2026. The carrier has also arranged two additional aircraft, aged roughly seven to eight years, expected to join the fleet in January 2027.
The airline is also working to return grounded planes to service as engines and other equipment become available from international suppliers. At the time of privatization, PIA had 15 operational and 16 grounded aircraft; the number of grounded planes has since fallen to 14.
Bajwa said passenger feedback on PIA's UK flights has been encouraging, particularly regarding flight schedules and food quality. The committee also examined the airline's ticket pricing, with the general manager acknowledging that PIA fares are sometimes Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,000 higher than those of competing airlines.
The fleet and route expansion comes as PIA seeks to rebuild capacity and restore international services after years of operational constraints. The planned Karachi–London link would give travelers a direct option on one of the airline's key long-haul routes.
