"We welcome PIA back to BHX as an airline partner."
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is returning to Birmingham Airport with direct flights to Islamabad three times a week, restoring an important travel link between the Midlands and Pakistan following strong demand from passengers.
From December 1, 2026, PIA will begin operating direct flights to Islamabad three times a week.
It will be the only direct service from the Midlands to Pakistan.
The decision follows the airline’s reinstatement of UK routes and comes amid significant demand for travel between the two destinations.
More than 178,000 passengers travelled between Birmingham and Pakistan via indirect flights in 2025, highlighting the demand for a direct connection.
The route is expected to be particularly popular among the region’s Pakistani community, with more than 320,000 people of Pakistani heritage living in the West Midlands.
Matt Hazelwood, chief commercial officer at Birmingham Airport, said:
“We welcome PIA back to BHX as an airline partner.
“There are strong links between our region and Pakistan, with many people travelling to spend time with family and friends.
“With flights taking off three times a week, PIA will give passengers more choice and convenience when planning their journeys.
“We look forward to seeing the service get underway in December.”
PIA will operate the route using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with flights departing Birmingham on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Adrian Hamilton Manns, CEO of PIA, said: “The resumption of Pakistan International Airlines’ direct flights between Birmingham and Islamabad is an important step in restoring PIA’s UK network and strengthening air links between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
“With three weekly services operated by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, we aim to offer passengers greater convenience, comfort and reliable connectivity.”
“Birmingham and the wider Midlands region are home to a significant Pakistani community, and this service will make it easier for overseas Pakistanis to reconnect with their families and loved ones.
“We are pleased to return to Birmingham and remain committed to expanding our international network and enhancing the travel experience for our valued passengers.”
Flights from Islamabad will depart at 12:15 pm, arriving in Birmingham at 4 pm. The return service will leave Birmingham at 6:30 pm and arrive in Islamabad at 7:15 am the following day.
The return of PIA to Birmingham is expected to provide a welcome boost for passengers travelling between the UK and Pakistan, particularly those who previously relied on connecting flights to visit relatives, while strengthening the longstanding links between the Midlands and Pakistan.
