Does PIA fly direct from the UK to Pakistan?

Yes. Pakistan International Airlines resumed direct UK services from March 2026. PIA now operates nonstop flights from London Heathrow to both Islamabad and Lahore, plus direct services from Manchester and Birmingham. The Heathrow to Islamabad and Lahore routes launched on 29 and 30 March 2026 respectively, following the lifting of a five-year UK regulatory ban in July 2025.

Which airlines fly from the UK to Pakistan in 2026?

PIA operates the only nonstop flights from the UK to Pakistan, serving Islamabad and Lahore from London Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham. One-stop options include British Airways via London Heathrow to Islamabad, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul to Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, Qatar Airways via Doha, Emirates via Dubai, Etihad via Abu Dhabi, and Saudia via Riyadh or Jeddah.

What is the baggage allowance on PIA flights from the UK?

On PIA economy class flights originating in the UK, the checked baggage allowance is 40kg across a maximum of two bags. Individual bags must not exceed 32kg. Business class passengers are permitted 50kg. Infants are allowed 10kg in economy and business class. This allowance applies outbound and inbound on the same ticket.

Do UK citizens need a visa to visit Pakistan?

Yes. British citizens travelling on a UK passport require a visa to enter Pakistan. As of January 2026, Pakistan suspended its Visa Prior to Arrival and Visa on Arrival programmes for most nationalities including the UK. Travellers must now apply for a standard eVisa in advance via the NADRA online portal at visa.nadra.gov.pk. Processing typically takes 7 to 20 business days. British nationals of Pakistani origin holding a NICOP card may enter Pakistan without a separate visa.

What is the flight time from London to Islamabad?

A direct flight from London Heathrow to Islamabad takes approximately 8 hours. Flights from London to Lahore on the nonstop PIA service take approximately 8 hours also. One-stop itineraries via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, or via Doha with Qatar Airways, typically add 2 to 4 hours depending on connection time.

What is the cheapest time to fly from the UK to Pakistan?

The cheapest months for UK to Pakistan flights are January, February, March and late September to October. Fares rise significantly around Eid ul Fitr, Eid ul Adha, UK summer school holidays in July and August, and the winter wedding season in December and January. Booking 8 to 12 weeks in advance during off-peak periods typically secures the lowest fares.

Is it safe to travel to Pakistan?

The FCDO advises against all travel to Balochistan Province, to within 10 miles of the Afghanistan border, and to most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Azad Jammu and Kashmir and to Sindh Province north of Nawabshah. Popular UK visitor destinations including Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Mirpur are not subject to these specific area restrictions. Travellers should consult the full FCDO Pakistan travel advice at gov.uk before booking.

Flights to Pakistan from the UK 2026: PIA Direct, Istanbul and Every Route Compared - Flugalternativen

PIA now flies direct from London, Manchester and Birmingham to Islamabad and Lahore. Compare every airline, route and fare for flights to Pakistan from the UK in 2026.