There are now three flights per week from London Heathrow, operated using a three-class Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
British Airways has officially opened an office in Islamabad for the airline’s local dedicated team, and crowds gathered to welcome the first flight from London with both the Union Flag and Pakistani national flag being waved from the cockpit roof hatch.
The airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Brem, said: “Today is a great occasion for British Airways as we resume flights to Islamabad after a decade. The atmosphere on board our state-of-the-art 787 aircraft was spectacular, as was the warm welcome on the ground.
“British Airways has a proud history of flying to Pakistan – we first operated flights to Islamabad in 1976 – and we couldn’t be more excited to be back.”
Commenting on the launch, UK International Trade Secretary, Liam Fox MP, said: “The relaunch of British Airways flights between the UK and Pakistan after more than ten years will be a major boost for trade between our two countries.”
“It is no surprise that it is an iconic British airline that is the first western airline to return to Pakistan, a symbol of the strong and growing relationship between our two countries.”
British Airways is currently investing more than £6.5 billion to improve customer experience on its flights, including the installation of high-quality Wifi and power in every seat, fitting 128 long-haul aircraft with new interiors and taking delivery of 72 new aircraft.
