Turkish Airlines (THY) is preparing to temporarily return the 8 weekly slots it holds at London Heathrow Airport to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) as part of the 2026 summer schedule.
According to information obtained, the arrangement is a temporary measure covering only the 2026 summer season. With the slot return, THY will suspend its planned operations at certain arrival and departure times at Heathrow for this period. The freed-up capacity is planned to be used by PIA on the London Heathrow–Islamabad route.
PIA is expected to make the returned slots operational as part of the summer schedule starting on 30 March 2026.
A critical threshold crossed in PIA’s return to Europe
Pakistan International Airlines’ return to the European market had been delayed for a long time due to serious allegations of irregularities related to pilot licences that came to the agenda following an aircraft accident in 2020 in which 97 people lost their lives. Following these developments, all of PIA’s flights to Europe were suspended.
With a decision taken in November 2024, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted the ban on PIA operating flights in EU airspace. After this decision, the airline activated a phased return plan for its European routes.
THY balances capacity in London with different airports
During the summer season, THY had been operating up to 7 daily flights to London Heathrow. Despite the slot return, the company plans to balance its total capacity in the London market by using different airports.
In this context:
- 3 daily flights to London Gatwick
- Up to 2 daily flights to London Stansted as of the 2026 summer season
In this way, Turkish Airlines aims to compensate for the temporary capacity reduction at Heathrow through its Stansted operations and to maintain a strong presence in London.
