Norse Atlantic Secures Approval for Direct Flights to Islamabad

January 1, 2026 at 10:10 PM•3 min read

British airline Norse Atlantic UK received permission from Pakistan to launch direct flights from London, Manchester, and Birmingham to Islamabad, boosting UK-Pakistan air travel

Key Points

1British airline Norse Atlantic UK received official permission to operate direct flights to Islamabad.
2New Norse Atlantic routes will connect Islamabad with London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
3Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume direct London Heathrow flights on March 29, 2026, after a six-year regulatory ban.
4The dual entry is expected to significantly increase competition and balance airfares in the UK-Pakistan travel corridor.

Pakistan has granted permission to the British airline Norse Atlantic UK to begin direct flight operations to Islamabad. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the approval in a message on X (formerly Twitter).

Norse Atlantic UK is expected to launch direct flights from three major UK cities. These routes will connect London, Manchester, and Birmingham with Pakistan's capital, Islamabad. The minister stated that increasing international airline flights will promote healthy competition. This competition is expected to result in better passenger facilities and a balance in airfares.

Boosting UK-Pakistan Connectivity

This development is a significant step for UK-Pakistan air travel. It addresses the high demand from the large Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom. Norse Atlantic UK is a long-haul, low-cost carrier. It primarily operates a fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline's entry will introduce a new competitor on this lucrative route. Earlier reports indicated the airline had applied to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. The application sought approval for non-stop services.

PIA's Return to London Heathrow

This news coincides with a major milestone for the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The Defence Minister also announced that PIA is resuming its direct flights to London Heathrow (LHR). This resumption is scheduled to begin on March 29, 2026, after a long six-year break.

Regulatory Context

PIA will initially operate four flights per week from Islamabad to LHR. The airline’s return follows the lifting of a significant regulatory ban. The European Union Air Safety Agency (EASA) had barred PIA from operating in the EU in 2020. This ban was lifted in November 2024. The UK subsequently removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List in July 2025. PIA had already resumed flights to Manchester in the first phase of its UK return.

Market Impact and Outlook

The dual entry of a new international carrier and PIA's full return signals a major shift. The government aims to strengthen the country's aviation sector. The Pakistani air passenger market is projected to grow significantly. Air passenger traffic is expected to climb to approximately 8.3 million by 2028.

Increased Competition: Norse Atlantic's entry introduces a low-cost, long-haul model. This will challenge existing carriers on pricing and service.
Restored Confidence: PIA's successful return to London Heathrow restores international confidence. It marks a recovery from previous safety and regulatory issues.
Passenger Benefits: Greater choice and competition should lead to more balanced airfares for travelers.

For more commercial aviation news and updates, follow industry reports.