British Airways has announced in a press release that it will be launching flights to Islamabad’s new international airport from London Heathrow airport. 3 weekly flights to Islamabad on a three class Boeing 787 dreamliner
are planned. The flights will begin from june 2, 2019.
In 2008, a massive suicide attack at Marriott hotel was carried out in which several foreigners were killed. After which BA cancelled all of its 6 weekly flights to Islamabad due to security concerns.
Robert Williams, Head of Sales for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, said:
“It’s exciting to be flying between Islamabad and Heathrow from next year, which we believe will be particularly popular with the British Pakistani community who want to visit or be visited by their relatives. On the route, customers will enjoy the very best in flying. Not only is it being operated on our newest long-haul aircraft, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, but it will also be landing into the new airport in Islamabad, which opened earlier this year.”
British Airways was not the only airline to cancel its flights from Pakistan, several other western airlines like Lufthansa and KLM also cancelled their flights to Pakistan after the security issues.
BA will be the first western airlines to start its flights back to Pakistan following which alot of other European airlines have taken interest to plan flights as the security situation in the country has become much better.
Why you should visit Islamabad ? Well, Islamabad is quiet a beautiful city known for its greenery. It is by far the most modernerized city of pakistan which gives a western feel. The city from one side is covered by big leafy mountains known as the margalla hills. There are 6 hiking trails available where you can go hike to, on the margalla hills. Dont forget that the city offers a vast variety of food starting from desi to intercontinental food. It is also home to all of the four seasons that you can enjoy. It is one of the safest cities in the country and has a lot of attractive tourist spots .
In another interview with Thomas Drew, British high commisioner to Pakistan, said
“I am delighted to be welcoming British Airways back to Pakistan. The launch of direct flights by British Airways between London Heathrow and Islamabad’s new International Airport is excellent news for both countries…I hope too that it will allow more people from the UK to discover, like I have, what a beautiful country Pakistan is. I look forward to using the service myself when flights start in June.”
The airline will be launching four new long haul routes in 2019 to Pittsburgh, Charleston in the US , Osaka in Japan and Islamabad in Pakistan.
Return fares from Islamabad will approximately cost £499 for World Traveller, £773 for World Traveller Plus and £1,799 for Club World.
Source : British Airways media centre
