Virgin Atlantic to restart operation in Pakistan after a hiatus of two years
Virgin Atlantic Airways (VS) will resume flights to Pakistan this October, reconnecting London Heathrow (LHR) with Karachi (KHI), Islamabad (ISB), and Lahore (LHE), following approval from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
The UK carrier suspended its Pakistan services in 2023 after initially
launching routes in December 2020. The flights will now operate via Riyadh
(RUH), providing passengers onward access from London to destinations across
Europe and North America.
Virgin Atlantic said the decision reflects renewed demand and is part of its
broader strategy to strengthen long-haul connectivity in South Asia.
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Previous suspension
In 2023, Virgin Atlantic pulled out of the Pakistan market, citing a
strategic review of its global network as it restructured post-pandemic
operations. The move temporarily ended direct services relied on by thousands
of UK-based Pakistani travelers.
Significance of the return
The resumption is expected to boost travel and trade ties between Pakistan
and the United Kingdom, home to one of the largest Pakistani diaspora
communities in Europe. It will also introduce more competition on routes long
dominated by Pakistan International Airlines (PK), British Airways (BA), and
Middle Eastern carriers including Emirates (EK), Qatar Airways (QR), and Etihad
Airways (EY).
About Virgin Atlantic
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Crawley, West Sussex, Virgin Atlantic
operates under Virgin Atlantic Limited, majority-owned by the Virgin Group
(51%) and Delta Air Lines (49%). Known for its long-haul services, the airline
currently links London with key destinations across North America, Africa, the
Middle East, and Asia.
Source: https://aviationa2z.com/