British flag carrier British Airways has started its flights to Lahore. It is the second city in Pakistan to be connected to London Heathrow as the airline already flies daily from Islamabad. The airline’s new service from Lahore will offer seamless transfer options from London Heathrow to BA’s flight network within the UK and to the United States, Europe, and Canada.
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BA will offer four flight per week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The flights will be operated by a three-class Boeing 787 Dreamliner with World Traveller (long-haul economy), World Traveller Plus (long-haul premium economy) and Club World (long-haul business class) departing from Heathrow Terminal 5, landing into Lahore’s International Airport.
The British Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan, Alison Blackburne said;
“I’m delighted to welcome the first-ever British Airways flight to Lahore. The first of many, this new direct flight will allow thousands of people who travel between our two great nations to visit friends and family and support increased trade links. Indeed, this is a sign of confidence in Pakistan and the best of UK Pak Dosti.”
Sohail Ali, Senior Vice President, Middle East and Africa, said:
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome our first flight to Lahore today. We are delighted to start direct flights four times a week offering seamless travel options from Lahore to London, Manchester and the US.
“Following the relaunch of services from Islamabad to Heathrow earlier this year, this new flight from Lahore reinforces our commitment to Pakistan and will help boost travel, tourism and trade between the two countries.”
Return fares from Pakistan if booked on ba.com start from $657 in World Traveller, $998 for World Traveller Plus, and $1806 for Club World. Flights will be operated by a Boeing 787-8 departing from Heathrow Terminal 5, landing into Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. It is important to mention that Virgin Atlantic has also announced flights to Lahore and Islamabad.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Dr Christian Turner said:
The first ever British Airways flights to Lahore is a sign of confidence in Pakistan, and the deepening ties between our two countries. I hope it will open up even more opportunities for business links, people-to-people ties and tourism.
Moran Birger, Head of Sales for The Middle East and Asia Pacific, said:
Our new services from Lahore will connect two of Pakistan’s biggest cities with London, and offer seamless transfer options to Manchester, the United States, and Canada.
Following the relaunch of services from Islamabad to Heathrow earlier this year, this new flight from Lahore represents our continued investment in Pakistan, and we look forward to welcoming our customers on board.
In response to Covid-19, British Airways has introduced a range of measures to keep its customers safe. Prior to travel, they will receive information on changes at their airport and onboard experience and tips on how to prepare for their journey. Customers will also be asked to help manage the wellness of everyone traveling by:
- Checking-in online, downloading their boarding pass and where possible self-scanning their boarding passes at the departure gate.
- Observing social distancing and using hand sanitisers that are placed throughout airports.
- Using new contactless, automated features at our lounges, including a new online food and drink service.
- Wearing a facemask at all times and bringing enough to replace them every four hours for longer flights.
- Ensuring they have everything they need from their hand luggage before departure, and where possible, storing their carry-on bag under the seat in front of them.
- Not travelling if they think they have any symptoms of Covid-19.
Due to COVID-19, passengers are required to wear masks and will have access to hand sanitisers during the flight. Crew members will wear masks during the flight. There are also extra measures in place at airports to ensure travellers stay safe.
British Airways direct flights to Islamabad restarted in June 2019 after a break of 10 years. The carrier first flew to Islamabad in 1976.
From London Heathrow the flights will be on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, departing at 20:30 and arriving in Islamabad at 04:20. From Islamabad flights will be on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, departing at 06:15 and arriving in London at 15:00.