Turkish Airlines Temporarily Returns 8 Weekly Heathrow Slots to PIA
Turkish Airlines is preparing to temporarily return eight weekly slots it holds at London Heathrow Airport to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) as part of the 2026 summer schedule. The arrangement is reported to cover the summer season and to be temporary in nature.
With the slot return, Turkish Airlines will suspend operations planned for certain Heathrow arrival and departure times during the relevant period. The freed-up capacity is expected to be used by PIA on the London Heathrow–Islamabad route. PIA is anticipated to utilize the returned slots under the summer timetable starting on 29 March 2026.
PIA’s return to the European market had been put on hold following the serious pilot licensing issues that emerged after a 2020 accident in which 97 people lost their lives. After these developments, the airline’s flights to Europe were suspended.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency lifted the ban on PIA operating in EU airspace with a decision taken in November 2024. Following that decision, the airline activated a phased plan to resume services on European routes.
During the summer season, Turkish Airlines had operated up to seven daily flights on the London Heathrow route. The carrier also operates three daily flights to London Gatwick, and plans to add London Stansted to its network with the 2026 summer schedule, with up to two daily flights expected to be operated to Stansted.
With this adjustment, Turkish Airlines aims to balance the capacity gap at Heathrow through the Stansted route.
