Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially hit a major milestone, celebrating more than 100,000 passengers served through its direct routes from Manchester to Pakistan. Since launching the Islamabad service on October 25 of last year and introducing a new link to Lahore this July, the carrier has transported a total of 104,845 passengers, cementing the vital connection between the North of England and South Asia.
The success of these routes is evidenced by rapidly increasing demand. The Islamabad service, which began as a twice-weekly operation, has been doubled to four flights per week, departing Manchester every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Meanwhile, the new Lahore service continues to perform strongly with a weekly flight every Wednesday.
Beyond passenger travel, the routes have become a significant engine for regional economic growth. PIA has facilitated the transport of 1,541 tonnes of cargo—comprising 1,412 tonnes of imports and 129 tonnes of outbound shipments. Key imported goods driving this trade include fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, pharmaceuticals, and high-quality fabrics and clothing.
This service acts as a critical bridge for the North’s sizeable Pakistani diaspora, which includes over 300,000 British Pakistanis, with high concentrations in Manchester and Bradford.
Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, highlighted the dual importance of the flights for social and economic infrastructure. “We’re proud to connect the people of the North with the world,” Woodroofe said. “Our direct links to Pakistan with PIA encapsulate all of these different strands of connection—from reuniting families to driving economic development. Our new facilities in Terminal 2, bolstered by a £1.5bn investment, ensure we are in a fantastic position to continue growing our network for the benefit of our local communities.”
Political leaders have also lauded the success of the route. Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South and Walkden and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Pakistan, noted the impact on accessibility. “It has been great to see the return of direct flights, making trips for British Pakistanis cheaper and more convenient. I am delighted to see this service flourish and provide families with more flexibility,” she said.
Afzal Khan CBE, MP for Manchester Rusholme and Chair of the Greater Manchester – Pakistan Forum, echoed these sentiments, noting the sheer scale of the transit demand. “With over 350,000 people in the North West traveling to Islamabad annually for family and business, this flight path has already proven its value. It is having a massive, positive impact on our regional economy and the diaspora communities who rely on these vital links,” Khan added.
As demand remains robust, the partnership between Manchester Airport and PIA looks set to continue as a cornerstone of the region’s international connectivity.
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