British Airways has announced resumption of flight operation for Pakistan, signalling the continued importance of ties between the two countries.

The first flight will land in Islamabad on August 14. It will operate direct flights three times a week to and from Heathrow Airport and Islamabad. The UK airline direct flights restarted in June 2019 after a break of 10 years. The carrier first flew to Islamabad in 1976.

From London Heathrow the flights will be on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, departing at 20:30 and arriving in Islamabad at 04:20. From Islamabad flights will be on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, departing at 06:15 and arriving in London at 15:00.

‘Big boost’

‘Delighted’ British High Commissioner Christian Turner took to the Twitter to ‘announce British Airways return’.

The diplomat said: “The resumption of British Airways direct flights is a big boost for the hundreds of thousands of travellers who travel regularly between our two great nations, many who have had their travel plans disrupted by the pandemic.

“I will like to thank to the Government of Pakistan, British Airways and my team in Pakistan who have worked hard to deliver this welcome news.”

https://twitter.com/CTurnerFCO/status/1288848911180935169

Safety steps 

Due to Covid-19, passengers will be required to wear masks and will have access to hand sanitisers during the flight. Crew members will wear masks during the flight. There are also extra measures in place at airports to ensure travellers stay safe.

Welcome back! 

Moran Birger, Head of Sales, Asia Pacific and the Middle East at British Airways, said, “We are pleased to once again provide a service between Pakistan and the UK. We know many of our customers in both countries have been waiting to be reunited with friends and family. We look forward to welcoming them back onboard.”