Virgin Atlantic to launch new routes to Pakistan

Shalimar Gardens Lahore
Shalimar Gardens Lahore

Virgin Atlantic (VS/VIR) is launching new direct services from Manchester Airport (MAN/EGCC) to Islamabad and London Heathrow (LHR/EGLL) to Lahore & Islamabad.

Both services will start in December 2020 with the Lahore service operating 3 times-per-week and the Islamabad service operating 4 times-per-week.

Virgin Atlantic A330 (Image: VA)
Virgin Atlantic A330 (Image: VA)

Virgin Atlantic said “We’re thrilled to let you know that we’re adding two brand new destinations to our flying schedule.” adding “every flight will have the fantastic Virgin Atlantic experience, from our three ways to fly Economy to our beautiful Upper Class suites. Flights will be available to book from September.”

Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan and has strong connections to the UK which has a large Pakistani community. As a new city, it may not have the history of some of the great cities in Pakistan but it is known for high standards of living and acres of greenery.

Islamabad
Islamabad

By contrast, Lahore, the second-largest city in Pakistan, is the capital of the historic and culturally rich Punjab region. It is a progressive and socially liberal city which includes a walled city and the UNESCO world heritage sites of Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens.

The new routes come just 24 hours after creditors finally agreed the airlines £1.2bn rescue package securing the airlines future.

About Nick Harding 2043 Articles
Nick is the senior reporter and editor at UK Aviation News as well as working freelance elsewhere. He has his finger firmly on the pulse on Aviation, not only in the UK but worldwide. Nick has been asked to speak in a professional capacity on LBC, Heart and other broadcast networks.