PIA to restart direct flights between Pakistan and Birmingham Airport

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to restore direct flights between Pakistan and Birmingham Airport from 1 December 2026, bringing welcome news to travellers across the West Midlands and the wider UK.

The airline will resume its non-stop service between Islamabad (ISB) and Birmingham (BHX), operating three flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The return of the route follows strong demand from passengers travelling between the Midlands and Pakistan, particularly those visiting family and friends.

The announcement marks an important development for Birmingham Airport, restoring a direct air link that will make journeys between the two destinations considerably more convenient.

Direct flights to Islamabad return in December

According to Birmingham Airport, PIA’s services will operate using Boeing 777 aircraft on the 3,810-mile route, providing passengers with a direct connection between Birmingham (BHX) and Islamabad International Airport (ISB).

The published flight schedule will see the westbound flight from Islamabad to Birmingham (PK791) depart at 12:15 and arrive in Birmingham at 16:00 local time.

The return flight will depart Birmingham (PK792) at 18:30 and arrive in Islamabad at 07:15 the following morning. With three weekly departures in each direction, the service will provide greater flexibility for passengers planning trips between the UK and Pakistan.

Importantly, the reinstated route will become the only direct air service connecting the Midlands region with Pakistan, removing the need for many travellers to rely on connecting flights through other international airports, or surface travel to London Heathrow or Manchester airports.

Strong demand from the Pakistani community

The return of PIA flights is particularly significant for the large Pakistani diaspora living in the West Midlands.

More than 320,000 people of Pakistani heritage live in the region, creating substantial demand for travel between Birmingham and Pakistan. Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) passengers account for a significant proportion of journeys between the two destinations.

Birmingham Airport revealed that more than 178,000 passengers travelled between Birmingham and Pakistan in both directions during 2025, despite the absence of a direct connection. Many of these travellers had to use connecting services through destinations such as Dubai, Doha or Istanbul, often adding several hours to their journeys.

The return of non-stop flights is therefore expected to be welcomed by families, business travellers and holidaymakers alike.

Matt Hazelwood, Chief Commercial Officer at Birmingham Airport, welcomed PIA’s return, highlighting the strong connections between the Midlands and Pakistan and the additional choice and convenience the airline will offer passengers.

PIA strengthens its UK operations

The Birmingham route also represents another important step in Pakistan International Airlines’ efforts to rebuild its UK network. PIA resumed flights to the UK in October 2025, initially restarting services between Islamabad and Manchester following the lifting of the UK’s restrictions on Pakistani airlines.

The restrictions had been introduced in 2020 following concerns surrounding aviation safety and pilot licensing. Their removal in July 2025 allowed Pakistani airlines to apply to resume UK operations after improvements to aviation safety oversight.

The restoration of the Birmingham service demonstrates the airline’s continued commitment to reconnecting Pakistan with important international destinations.

PIA chief executive Adrian Hamilton Mann has also highlighted the importance of restoring direct connections with the Midlands, particularly for overseas Pakistanis wishing to maintain close relationships with family members back home.

A welcome boost for Birmingham Airport

The return of PIA is positive news for Birmingham Airport and the wider regional economy. Direct international connections play an important role in supporting tourism, business, trade and cultural links. The restored route will also give passengers across the Midlands another convenient option when travelling to South Asia.

For thousands of families with connections to Pakistan, the return of PIA flights means less time spent changing aircraft and more time spent with loved ones.

With services scheduled to begin later this year, travellers will once again be able to fly directly between Birmingham and Islamabad three times a week. The return of PIA is undoubtedly a significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Pakistan and the West Midlands.