Islamabad( The COW News Digital) Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has failed to secure the Third Country Operator (TCO) license required to resume direct flights to the United Kingdom, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The setback means that Pakistan’s national flag carrier will remain barred from operating flights to the UK for the foreseeable future, while private carrier Airblue has been granted clearance to operate.
According to sources, the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) has issued a TCO license to Airblue, allowing it to start direct flights between Pakistan and the UK. Airblue plans to operate Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft on the route, with a scheduled refueling stop in Türkiye before continuing to British destinations.
PIA, however, has not been able to meet the regulatory requirements, a situation that stems partly from its shortage of serviceable aircraft. The airline’s operations to Europe and the UK were suspended in 2020 after a pilot licensing scandal triggered safety concerns and led to a ban by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). While PIA has since taken steps to improve safety standards, it has yet to regain full approval from international regulators.
Industry analysts say the inability to resume UK operations is a major commercial setback for PIA, as direct flights to London, Manchester, and Birmingham were among its most profitable routes. The airline had been banking on the license approval to recover some of its lost market share and revenue.
“PIA’s fleet size and financial constraints are significant challenges,” an aviation sector insider told Express News. “With Airblue now entering the market, competition will intensify, and PIA risks losing its loyal passenger base if it cannot secure approval soon.”
Passengers traveling from Pakistan to the UK have long demanded the restoration of direct flights, citing convenience and lower travel time compared to connecting routes through the Middle East. Airblue’s entry is expected to provide some relief, though the smaller carrier’s limited fleet means fewer flights compared to PIA’s pre-2020 schedule.
Government officials have indicated that efforts are underway to help PIA address regulatory gaps and regain TCO approval. Until then, the airline will continue operating its limited international network outside the UK and Europe.
