LAHORE (Dunya News) - Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has launched direct flights between Lahore and Manchester.
According to a spokesperson, the inaugural direct flight PK-709 from Lahore to Manchester departed on Thursday.
A simple but formal ceremony was held at Lahore Airport to mark the launch, where a cake-cutting ceremony was also arranged. Passengers were seen off by PIA Chief Operating Officer Khurram Mushtaq.
Passengers welcomed the resumption of direct air connectivity between Manchester and Lahore, calling it an important development for the Pakistani community living in the United Kingdom.
The direct flights are expected to further strengthen links between the two countries.
A total of 325 passengers travelled on the inaugural Lahore-to-Manchester flight. Earlier, the first Manchester-to-Lahore flight had departed the previous night, where it was seen off by PIA local management and officials of Manchester Airport Group.
The launch of direct flights from Lahore to Manchester marks an important addition to PIA’s international network. Following this development, the airline will operate five weekly flights between Pakistan and Manchester.
According to the spokesperson, four weekly flights will operate from Islamabad and one from Lahore. The expansion is expected to provide greater convenience to the Pakistani community in the United Kingdom.