Pakistan charter flights to return thousands of stranded Brits
Ten charter flights, organised by the UK Government, will take around 2,500 stranded British travellers from Pakistan back to the UK.
Flights will run from Islamabad and Lahore to both London and Manchester. The flight schedule is:
- Islamabad to London Heathrow on 21, 22, 23 April
- Islamabad to Manchester on 24, 25, 26, 27 April
- Lahore to London Heathrow on 22, 24 April
- Lahore to Manchester on 26 April
The flights are expected to cost £527 and are free for Under 2s.
To book their seats, and find out more information, British travellers should visit the Pakistan travel advice page on GOV.UK.
More than 7,500 British nationals who do not usually reside in Pakistan have already returned to the UK from Pakistan by commercial means, as the FCO has worked with the Government of Pakistan to keep routes running and airports operating.
Foreign Office Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, said:
Thousands more British travellers stranded in Pakistan can now fly home thanks to these 10 charter flights. I understand this has been a difficult period for those wanting to return and I am grateful for their patience.
These extra flights will bring around 2,500 more people home – joining the 7,500 British nationals who do not reside in Pakistan who returned on commercial flights following extensive co-operation between the UK and Pakistan governments.
This has been a hugely challenging operation and I’m grateful for the hard work of all those involved in making it happen.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Christian Turner, said:
I know how stressful and difficult the suspension of Pakistan’s international flights has been, leaving so many British travellers unable to get home. There has been a huge effort from the teams across the Pakistan network to help people to return to the UK.
And while we have got over 7,500 people back to the UK already, these charter flights will help us to get thousands more back home next week.
Background
- The charter flights are for UK travellers who normally reside in the UK and their direct dependants. Seats will be reserved for those deemed vulnerable.
- To book flights and register details, British nationals should use the city-specific webpages listed on the FCO Pakistan travel advice: return to the UK page.
- Movement within Pakistan is currently very restricted. Those who are eligible to fly will be sent information on how to get to airports and flight itineraries directly when their seat is confirmed.
- Details regarding luggage allowance, flight costs and carriers will be available on the booking portal.
- The British High Commission continues to provide consular support to any British nationals who remain in India. Consular helpline numbers: +92 (0)51 201 2000.