PIA Carries 100,000 Passengers in First Year from Manchester

Pakistan International Airlines carried 104,845 passengers on direct routes between Manchester Airport and Pakistan during the first year of operation. The service began with flights to Islamabad on October 25, 2025, which expanded from two to four weekly flights to meet high demand. The airline further expanded its reach by adding a route to Lahore in July 2026.

These services primarily serve the Pakistani diaspora in Northern England, specifically in Manchester and Bradford. In addition to passenger travel, the routes facilitated the movement of 1,541 tonnes of cargo. Of this total, 1,412 tonnes were imported from Pakistan, consisting largely of clothing, fabrics, pharmaceuticals, and fresh produce.

Local officials and members of parliament stated that the flights drive regional economic development. Chris Woodroofe of Manchester Airport noted the vital role the airport plays in maintaining these connections, while Yasmin Qureshi highlighted that the increased flight frequency provides families with more travel choices.