PIA seeks approval to lease Heathrow slots to Saudi Airlines for 2025
LONDON:
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has formally requested Airport Coordination Limited (ACL), the global airport slot coordinator, to lease two of its London Heathrow slots to Saudi Airlines for the 2025 summer season, a spokesperson confirmed on Sunday.
The lease request follows PIA's ongoing restrictions in the UK and US, despite the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifting a four-year ban on the airline in November 2024. The ban was originally imposed in June 2020 over concerns about Pakistan's aviation safety standards, following a Karachi plane crash that killed 97 people and an investigation into pilot license irregularities.
PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan told Arab News that the airline has sought a "slot swap" from ACL, allowing Saudi Airlines to use the Heathrow slots from April 5 to October 25, 2025. The slots were previously leased to Vietnam Airlines, whose term expires in April.
Since facing European restrictions, PIA has used a "babysitting option" to retain its Heathrow slots by leasing them to Turkish Airlines, Saudi Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines. The airline previously held 10 Heathrow slots, with six leased to Turkish Airlines and two each to Saudia and Vietnam Airlines.
Although PIA has resumed flights to Europe, including a recent Islamabad-Paris service, it remains barred from the UK and US. Last month, a delegation from the UK's Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority visited Pakistan to assess aviation safety protocols. The UK Safety Review Board is set to decide on PIA's operational clearance in a meeting scheduled for March 12-13.
'If Pakistan receives permission to resume its own flights to the UK, we will gradually reclaim these slots for our own operations,' Khan stated.
Meanwhile, PIA continues to struggle with financial instability. The debt-ridden airline, which posted losses of $270 million in 2023 and holds liabilities nearing $3 billion, remains a key target for privatization by the Pakistani government. An earlier attempt to sell the airline fell through after a potential buyer offered significantly less than the asking price.
Officials hope that the reopening of European routes will pave the way for further operational recoveries, potentially leading to future expansion in the UK market.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Marka-e-Haq 14th August Youm-e-Azaadi: Message from Admiral Naveed Ashraf Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) Tamgha-e-Basalat Chief of the Naval Staff
On the auspicious occasion of Pakistan's 78th Independence Day, we stand united and grateful on being blessed with an independent and rejuvenated homeland. This day is not merely a remembrance of the past but a powerful reaffirmation of our collective resolve to build a country that stands as beacon of peace, prosperity and justice for its citizens, embodying the profound vision of our founding fathers. Let us recall the untiring struggle, indomitable courage and countless lives dedicated to securing a separate homeland where our dreams and aspirations could be realized. It is this foundational spirit that continues to inspire us to strive for social equity, economic growth and shared prosperity, ensuring that every individual finds dignity and opportunity within our borders. The Independence Day is significant as the entire nation gelled together and remained steadfast in preserving our freedom against the nefarious designs of our perennial enemy. Today's celebrations remind us that freedom is preserved through sacrifices, unity and resilience. During Marka e Haq, Allah SWT bestowed us with a precious victory owing to the grit and fortitude of our valiant Armed Forces against a Machiavellian adversary. This remarkable success stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering resolve, resilience and enduring spirit of the entire Pakistani nation. By the grace of Allah SWT, during these testing times, Pakistan Navy vigilantly guarded our maritime frontiers and remained alert and poised to respond to any misadventure at sea. Our perpetual readiness and unshakeable resolve kept the enemy at bay and ensured protection of our vital maritime interests and unhindered flow of trade. May Allah SWT keep us in His protection and grant us the strength to ensure impregnable defence of our country and enrich the glorious legacy of our predecessors in protecting our motherland with dignity, honour and pride. May the green flag embedded with white crescent and star always fly high with our borders secured, seas guarded and air defended from enemy's malice and rancor. Amen. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Marka-e-Haq 14th August Youm-e-Azaadi: Message from Khawaja M. Asif, Federal Minister for Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
I felicitate the entire Pakistani nation on the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan. This day marks the culmination of the historic political struggle of the Muslims of the subcontinent to establish a sovereign homeland. The creation of Pakistan through a peaceful and democratic struggle marks an unprecedented and unparalleled chapter in history. On this day, we pay homage to leaders and workers of the Pakistan movement as well as our forefathers who rendered innumerable sacrifices for Pakistan. Today, we need to set aside our differences and work committedly for the unity, integrity, and economic stability of the country in the face of current challenges. Our country has been blessed with abundant human and natural resources and it is our responsibility to utilize these for the welfare of our people. We reaffirm our moral, political, and diplomatic support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their just struggle for the right to self-determination, in accordance with the United Nations resolutions. Their courage and resilience in the face of adversity remains an inspiration to us all. Today, we pay a heartfelt tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces for their decisive and valiant response during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. Pakistan's valiant response in broad daylight to India's cowardly aggression, and the military's swift and resolute action in the face of provocation, will be remembered in history as a chapter written in golden letters. In a rapidly changing global security environment, Pakistan's Defence capabilities continue to strengthen, ensuring peace through preparedness and unwavering vigilance. As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us renew our pledge to work together for a stronger, more prosperous, and peaceful Pakistan. Our unity, resilience, and commitment to nation building will continue to guide us towards a brighter future. Pakistan Zindabad Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
4 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Reserves edge up, rupee gains for 4th week
Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves recorded a slight improvement during the week ended August 8, 2025, with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) holdings rising $11 million to $14.243 billion. According to data released by the central bank, the country's total liquid foreign reserves stood at $19.497 billion. Of this, commercial banks held net reserves of $5.254 billion, while the SBP accounted for the remaining $14.243 billion. Moreover, on Friday, the SBP injected around Rs12 trillion into the banking system through a reverse repo auction. The market operation included Rs191 billion for seven-day tenors at 11.04% and Rs11.812 trillion for 14-day tenors at 11.01%. The Pakistani rupee extended its upward momentum, marking its fourth consecutive week of gains against the US dollar. According to Ismail Iqbal Securities, the local currency appreciated 0.06% day-on-day to close at 282.06 against the greenback. On a calendar-year-to-date basis, however, the rupee has depreciated 1.25%, while in the current fiscal year to date, it has gained 0.60%. AKD Securities noted that the rupee gained for the fourth consecutive week against the US dollar. Meanwhile, gold prices in Pakistan fell, tracking global trends, where the yellow metal edged higher but remained on course for a weekly loss as hotter-than-expected US inflation data dampened prospects of near-term interest rate cuts. Market attention has shifted to the much-anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the local market, the price of gold per tola dropped Rs1,000 to Rs357,100, according to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association. The price of 10-gram gold also declined, settling at Rs306,155, after a decrease of Rs858. Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, gold had slipped by Rs200 per tola to Rs358,100. Interactive Commodities Director Adnan Agar noted that the gold market has seen limited movement, with prices fluctuating within a narrow range of about $10 to $15. "The market is relatively stable because of the Russia-US summit. Any significant shift will likely be seen on Monday once the outcome of talks becomes clear," he said. Spot gold rose 0.2% to $3,342.62 per ounce by 11:16 am EDT (1516 GMT), but was down 1.7% for the week, according to Reuters.
