The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed direct flights to London, a route that had been suspended six years ago due to a dispute over air traffic rights.

This move is seen as a major relief for business travelers and tourists who had been forced to take indirect routes to reach the British capital.

The airline had initially suspended its London services in 2017 due to disagreements with the UK’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) over the allocation of air slots at Heathrow Airport.

PIA will now operate daily flights from Islamabad and Lahore to London, with a total of 15 weekly frequencies between the two cities.

The resumption of direct flights is expected to boost trade and tourism ties between Pakistan and the UK, although it remains to be seen how this move will impact the airline’s bottom line in the face of increased competition from rival carriers.