Norse Atlantic Airways Secures Approval for Direct UK-Islamabad Flights?
Key Points
- 1Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority approved Norse Atlantic Airways for direct UK-Islamabad services.
- 2The airline plans initial London to Islamabad service, followed by Manchester and Birmingham routes.
- 3Norse Atlantic becomes the second UK carrier, alongside British Airways, to offer direct flights.
- 4The entry is expected to boost competition and improve airfares on the UK-Pakistan air travel route.
UK-based Norse Atlantic Airways secured key operational approval. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) granted this permission. This allows direct flights to Islamabad from the UK. This move will greatly expand competition in the aviation market.
Market Expansion and Competition
Norse Atlantic becomes the second UK carrier on this route. British Airways already offers direct services to Pakistan. Officials expect better service and more balanced fares. This is a positive development for UK-Pakistan air travel passengers. The increased capacity serves the large Pakistani diaspora. Minister Khawaja Asif noted the benefits of a competitive environment.
Operational Details and Fleet
The first phase targets London to Islamabad service. Future plans include Manchester and Birmingham routes to follow. The airline intends to use Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Initial operations are expected to run four flights weekly. This schedule offers new options for travelers and cargo.
Broader Regulatory Context
The CAA approval signals renewed confidence in the sector. It follows the recent privatization of Pakistan International Airlines. PIA is also set to resume London Heathrow flights soon. This new capacity is vital for market stability and growth. Such market dynamics are closely monitored by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Improved air connectivity supports increased trade and tourism. Regulatory oversight for UK-based carriers falls under bodies like EASA. Read more commercial aviation news at flying.flights.
Topics
You Might Also Like
Discover more aviation news based on similar topics
Norse Atlantic Airways Secures Approval to Launch Direct UK-Islamabad Flights
Pakistan's CAA has approved Norse Atlantic Airways to launch direct flights from London, Manchester, and Birmingham to Islamabad, boosting UK-Pakistan air connectivity and competition.
IndiGo Unlocks New Delhi-London Heathrow Route with Boeing 787 Service
IndiGo will launch five weekly direct Delhi-London Heathrow flights on February 2, 2026, using a wet-leased Boeing 787, boosting India-UK connectivity.
TUI Hits 250,000 Passengers on Amsterdam–Curaçao Route, Plans Major Expansion
TUI fly Netherlands marked a record 250,000 passengers on its Amsterdam–Curaçao route in 2025, underscoring strong Dutch Caribbean travel demand and prompting a 2026 expansion.
Fatal Aviation Accidents Fall, But 2025 Death Toll Rises to 389.
The 2025 air travel safety review found the fatal accident rate dropped to one in seven million flights, despite four major crashes causing 389 total deaths.
Air India Pilots Face DGCA Notice for Flying Snag-Prone Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
DGCA issued a show-cause notice to Air India pilots for allegedly operating a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on Delhi-Tokyo flights AI-358/357 despite repeated technical snags and MEL
Why is a private airline from Balochistan an urgent need, according to Mohsin Jamil?
Aviation expert Mohsin Jamil urged the Quetta Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QBCCI) to launch a private airline, citing the successful Sialkot model to improve air
Never Miss Critical Aviation Updates
Get the top aviation stories delivered to your inbox every morning