ISLAMABAD: British Airways (BA) will resume its flight operations to Pakistan from 2nd June, it was learnt on Thursday.
The airline suspended its operations in Pakistan a decade ago in the aftermath of the bomb blast at Marriott Islamabad in September 2008.
British Airways Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Brem said, “The excitement is building as we put the final touches to this exciting route launch. The anticipation from customers and colleagues has been palpable and we hope customers in both the UK and Pakistan will enjoy the classically British service we offer, with thoughtful bespoke touches.”
The three-per-week service will be operated on Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which offers World Traveller (long-haul economy), World Traveller Plus (long-haul premium economy) and Club World (long-haul business class).
The 787 is British Airways’ newest long-haul aircraft that is 20 per cent more fuel efficient than other aircraft and features larger windows, mood lighting and the latest inflight entertainment system. The lower cabin pressure means customers step off the flight feeling fresh.
Customers travelling can expect bespoke services to enhance the onboard experience including a halal meal option in every cabin, while the airline will also ensure sauces in every meal do not include alcohol or pork.
As with any other British Airways flight, customers can also pre-order a range of special meals, including vegetarian and vegan options.
The airline has a number of Pakistani and British-Pakistani colleagues who speak Urdu, and there has already been considerable interest from these colleagues to work on the flights.
Aftab Khan, who speaks both English and Urdu, and is one of the crew members operating the inaugural flight, said, “I can’t wait for what will be such a wonderful occasion. To be chosen to operate this flight, with my close family links to Pakistan, is a real honour. I know that my colleagues operating the flight are just as excited.”
British Airways’ long-haul flights include extremely generous hand baggage allowances – one large cabin bag with a small laptop or handbag – complimentary food and drink, online check-in and free seat selection 24 hours prior to departure.
Customers landing into London can connect on to British Airways’ network which includes over 30 destinations across North America, with over 70 flights per day to the US through the airline’s joint business with American Airlines. Customers can also connect to over 30 countries in Europe.
Return fares between London and Islamabad start from as little as £448 in World Traveller, £709 in World Traveller Plus and £1,499 in Club World. These can be reduced to as little as £248 in World Traveller, £459 in World Traveller Plus and £499 in Club World by using Avios part payment.
We appreciate and welcome the British Airline in Pakistan. This operation will further boost and improve flight service between Islamabad and London and will engance a healthy competition environment with other prominent airlines such as Qatar Airways and Emirates Airlines which are considered to be the most famous world class airlines.
Welcome to pakistan British Airway
I welcome british Airways to pakistan but i also BA to cnsider root via manchester like before london manchester islamabad return this way ba boot economy and service for people living in north i am sure this will benefit ba by doing this because lot of cummunity lives in north i my self live in midland i can benefit manchester this is my thought good ba is best in service thank you i will travel BA in near future good by
We support British Airways services. Before Manchester flights were fantastic. My sister and brother in law traveled to Manchester. That experience was fantastic. We living in Gulf country Oman there are lit of options but not good options from Pakistan. We really appreciation British Air ways. We hope it will extends Manchester to Lahore as well. Thanks
There should also be a direct service from manchester to Islamabad
We welcome to British Airways to land at Islamabad Pakistan after more than decade on 2 June 2019 to honour Pakistan