By RepublicPK | December 25, 2025
In a major development for Pakistan’s aviation sector, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially announced the resumption of its direct flight operations to London Heathrow Airport starting in March 2026. This move follows the lifting of a long-standing ban and the successful privatization of the national carrier.
Securing the London Heathrow Slots
According to sources, the airline has successfully secured approval for four weekly flight slots at Heathrow. These slots were previously managed by Turkish Airlines under a “babysitting” arrangement to ensure they were not forfeited during the suspension period. PIA has now formally notified Heathrow Airport authorities of its intent to reclaim these slots for scheduled operations.
The Rs135 Billion Privatization Deal
The announcement coincides with a historic shift in ownership. A consortium led by the Arif Habib Corporation has emerged as the winning bidder for a 75% stake in PIA, placing a massive Rs135 billion bid in a live-televised auction. In a further boost, Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited has officially joined the consortium to provide financial stability and corporate expertise.
Massive Investment and Fleet Expansion
The new owners have committed to a transformative investment plan:
- Rs125 billion will be invested in the first year to overhaul ground operations and passenger services.
- The operational fleet is planned to expand from the current 18 aircraft to a staggering 62 aircraft.
- Modernization efforts will focus on aircraft upgrades and service enhancements to regain global competitiveness.
The privatization process is expected to reach financial close within 90 days, with the new management taking full control by April 2026.