Pakistani International Airlines. Photo: Markus Mainka / Shutterstock.com Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume direct flights between Birmingham and Islamabad on December 1, 2026, restoring an important air link between the UK Midlands and Pakistan. The service will operate three times a week, offering passengers a direct alternative to indirect connections that have been necessary in the absence of the route.
According to Birmingham Airport's announcement made today, October 3, the return follows strong demand for travel between the region and Pakistan, as well as the airline's resumption of UK operations.
More than 178,000 two-way passengers travelled between Birmingham and Pakistan in 2025, using connecting flights. The new service is expected to reduce journey times and provide additional convenience for passengers travelling to visit family and friends.
The route is particularly relevant to the Pakistani community in the West Midlands, where more than 320,000 people of Pakistani heritage live. Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) travel accounts for a significant share of demand between the two countries.
The flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays under flight numbers PK791 and PK792.
The published schedule is:
-Islamabad to Birmingham: PK791, departing at 12:15 and arriving at 16:00.
-Birmingham to Islamabad: PK792, departing at 18:30 and arriving at 07:15 the following day.
Birmingham Airport's announcement says the Boeing 777 as the aircraft operating the route.
Matt Hazelwood, Chief Commercial Officer at Birmingham Airport, said the return of PIA would provide passengers with more choice and convenience, highlighting the strong family and cultural links between the Midlands and Pakistan.
PIA CEO Adrian Hamilton Mann described the resumption as an important step in restoring the airline's UK network and strengthening connections between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
He said the three weekly services would make it easier for overseas Pakistanis to visit family and friends, while offering passengers greater convenience and connectivity.
PIA last served Birmingham in 2022, making the December 1, 2026 relaunch a return after approximately four years without regular service on the route.