5,000 British travellers to leave Pakistan on chartered flights

UK Minister of State for South Asia thanks Pakistani authorities for their cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Around 5,000 stranded British travellers would fly back home from Pakistan following an announcement by the United Kingdom government of nine extra chartered flights on Saturday.

These will include the first UK charter flight from Karachi, which will depart on April 30, in addition to further departures from Islamabad and Lahore, according to a statement by the UK government.

Around 2,500 people have already booked on to the ten government charter flights that are taking place between April 21 and April 27. This second phase of flights announced today will carry more than 2,250 travellers.

The new flights are as follows:

• April 30: Karachi to London, Islamabad to Manchester


• May 1: Lahore to London, Islamabad to Manchester


• May 2: Islamabad to Manchester, Lahore to Manchester


• May 4: Islamabad to London


• May 5: Lahore to Manchester, Islamabad to Manchester

The statement said that there was a huge demand for these flights, with seats for Lahore and Islamabad now being allocated to those already registered via the government’s online booking website.



UK Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon said that 10,500 British citizens have already flown home from Pakistan on commercial options and more than 2,500 on charter flights.

“This remains a hugely challenging logistical operation. I am grateful for the cooperation of the Pakistani authorities, the patience of the British people we are working to help, and the hard work of those making it happen,’’ he added.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Christian Turner said that more than 10,500 people have returned home by commercial routes since airspace in Pakistan closed, and by Monday we expect that a further 2,500 British nationals will have flown back to the UK on our first 10 charter flights.



“We know there is more to do, and I’m pleased that there will be a further nine chartered flights next week; eight from Islamabad and Lahore; and one from Karachi to London Heathrow.

“As we start the holy month of Ramazan, a time for people to reunite with their families and a time for reflection, I am glad that travellers will be able to make it home and be with their loved ones at this special time.”

The price of a ticket for each flight is between £498-£522.

Guidance on how to book onto a charter flight