Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has approved the leasing of five additional aircraft to expand its flights to the United Kingdom and Europe. The decision was made during a PIA board meeting at the airline’s Islamabad headquarters on September 23, 2026.
The board approved two Boeing aircraft on a six-month wet lease from European airline Norse Atlantic. PIA will acquire three more aircraft through dry leases. The additional aircraft will help the airline increase capacity on its UK and European routes.
PIA Plans to Expand International Flights
PIA is also taking steps to improve its operational capacity. The airline has directed officials to speed up the procurement of spare parts. This move is aimed at keeping more aircraft available for regular operations.
The latest aircraft leasing decision comes as PIA works to expand its international network. The airline is also pursuing broader fleet expansion plans following its privatization.
In July, Arif Habib, whose consortium took management control of PIA, said the airline planned to add five aircraft during 2026. He also indicated that PIA would continue expanding its fleet in the coming years.
PIA to Increase London Flights
PIA has also announced more flights between Pakistan and London. From October 27, the airline plans to operate seven flights per week between Pakistan and the UK capital, up from four flights currently.
The new schedule includes five weekly flights from Islamabad and two from Lahore. This will give passengers more options for travelling between Pakistan and London.
The increase in London flights follows the return of slots at London Heathrow Airport that had previously been allocated to foreign airlines, according to reports. The additional services could also provide more capacity for overseas Pakistanis travelling between the two countries.
What the New Aircraft Mean for PIA
The five-aircraft leasing plan is part of PIA’s wider effort to increase its international flight capacity. More aircraft could allow the airline to support additional services while improving the availability of its existing fleet.
The board’s decision to speed up spare-parts procurement also highlights the importance of aircraft availability for PIA’s expansion plans.
However, details about the three dry-leased aircraft have not yet been fully disclosed. The latest reports do not provide their exact models, delivery dates or the specific routes they will operate.
As PIA continues its fleet expansion, further details about the aircraft and new international services are expected to emerge.
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