The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Saturday resumed UK alternative flights operation as its first flight PK-9702 departed from Manchester with 265 passengers for Islamabad, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The flight departed from Manchester carrying 26 passengers in the executive economy while 239 passengers in economy class with 3.5 tons of cargo as well, the TV channel reported.
On the eve of Independence Day, Pakistani flag was hoisted at Manchester Airport while PIA officials and plane crew also wore green shirts.
As per details, in order to facilitate passengers travelling to the UK, an agreement was reached between PIA and the Portuguese airline, under which flights will be operated by a modern Airbus 330A aircraft with more than 300 seats.
Flight PK9785 will leave Islamabad for London on August 15.
Separately, British Airways has already resumed its flight operation suspended due to coronavirus in Pakistan as its first flight BA261 landed at New Islamabad International Airport on Thursday.
British Airways had announced that it would start direct flights three times a week to and from Heathrow Airport and Islamabad from August 14. It is pertinent to note that the airline said on July 30 that the first flight will land in Islamabad and will be taking extra precautionary measures for the safety of its crew and passengers.