A UK-based airline has been given approval to launch direct flights to Pakistan, adding fresh competition to the country’s international aviation market.
Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif announced the decision on social media, saying Norse Atlantic Airways will operate direct services from London, Manchester and Birmingham to Islamabad. He said the move would improve service quality and help keep fares in check.
“The increase in operations of international airlines to Pakistan will promote a competitive environment, leading to world-class service and balance in fares,” the minister wrote.
The permission has been granted by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. Officials said the airline will begin operations in phases. In the first stage, Norse Atlantic is expected to start direct flights from London to Islamabad. Services from Manchester and Birmingham are planned to follow.
Norse Atlantic’s entry makes it the second UK carrier to offer direct flights to Pakistan. British Airways already operates services on the route. Aviation officials believe the additional capacity will give travellers more choice and could ease pressure on ticket prices, especially during peak travel periods.
The announcement comes just days after Pakistan International Airlines confirmed it will resume direct flights to London after a six-year gap. The national carrier said on December 30 that it will start four weekly flights from Islamabad to London on March 29. These flights will operate from Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4.
PIA has already restarted another key UK route. It resumed flights to Manchester on October 25 after a five-year suspension. The service began with two weekly flights and was later increased to three.
The developments come at a sensitive time for Pakistan’s aviation sector. The government has recently finalised the sale of a 75 percent stake in PIA for Rs135 billion. The deal ends years of stalled efforts to privatise the loss-making airline.
Industry observers say the arrival of a new UK airline, along with the return of PIA’s London route, signals renewed international confidence in Pakistan’s aviation market.
For passengers, it could mean better connectivity, more reliable schedules and stronger competition on some of the country’s busiest long-haul routes.
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