PIA’s permit to operate to the UK was withdrawn by the CAA on 30 June on safety grounds, halting its Heathrow, Birmingham and Manchester services.

It followed an order by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (Easa) barring PIA from operating to the EU for six months.

However, the CAA confirmed on Monday (17 August) PIA’s UK ban had been lifted as of Friday (14 August).

Its Manchester-Islamabad and Birmingham-Islamabad have been allowed to resume using aircraft chartered by EU-registered carrier Hi Fly Limited.

"On 30 June 2020, the UK Civil Aviation Authority suspended permission for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to operate services to the United Kingdom," said the CAA.

"This suspension was legally required following the decision of the European Aviation Safety Agency (Easa) to withdraw the airline’s Third Country Operator safety certificate.

"However, the Civil Aviation Authority has now approved a request from the company to be allowed to recommence services between Islamabad to Birmingham and Manchester using aircraft chartered from the EU carrier Hi Fly Limited.

"PIA’s Foreign Carrier Permit has been amended accordingly. This approval came into effect from 14 August 2020."

Easa’s ban on PIA operating flights to the European Common Aviation Area using its own aircraft remains in place.