Key Points
- Pakistan approves UK-based airline to operate direct flights to Islamabad
- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says move will improve competition
- Pakistan International Airlines to resume Islamabad-London Gatwick flights from March
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif announced that the government has approved Norse Atlantic Airways to operate direct flights to Islamabad.
The approved routes also include London Gatwick, Manchester, and Birmingham. London Gatwick is one of the major international airports serving London, located to the south of the city and distinct from Heathrow, often used by low-cost and European carriers. The minister stated on an X post that the move is expected to enhance competition in the aviation sector, improve service standards, and help balance airfares for passengers travelling to Pakistan.
Pakistan has approved the designation of UK airline – Norse Atlantic. The airline will operate direct flights from London, Manchester and Birmingham to the Capital City – Islamabad.
The increase in operations of International airlines to Pakistan will promote a competitive…— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) January 1, 2026
Norse Atlantic Airways, a Norwegian long-haul low-cost carrier, will operate these flights under the UK designation system, marking its entry into the Pakistani market and providing travellers with more options for affordable international travel. It is fundamentally a Norwegian-based airline, headquartered in Arendal, Norway. Still, it operates with both Norwegian and UK entities, including a UK subsidiary (Norse Atlantic UK Ltd.) that holds a UK Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and bases crew in the UK, allowing for easier UK-focused operations like flights from London Gatwick.
In a related post, Khawaja Asif also highlighted that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume direct flights from Islamabad to London Gatwick starting from March 29, 2026, after a six-year gap, signalling a revival of long-distance air connectivity for the national carrier.
After hiatus of six years, it is proudly announced that Pakistani flag on PIA will be flying directly to London Heathrow from 29 March 2026.
This glorious milestone reflects the unwavering resolve and sustained efforts of PCAA and PIA to restore International glory of PIA which…— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) January 1, 2026
Analysts said the approval is likely to increase competition on the UK-Pakistan route, potentially driving improvements in service quality and fare affordability while benefiting travellers who have had limited direct flight options in recent years.
