What You Should Know Before Booking Flights to Pakistan from the UK

Pakistan has become an increasingly popular travel destination for British travellers, whether for tourism, business, family visits, or religious journeys. However, before booking flights to Pakistan, several factors should be considered, including timing, airports, flight duration, cost fluctuations, and travel requirements. With the expert support of Al musafir travel UK, you can easily compare options and find the most suitable route and fare for your needs. This guide covers everything you must know to plan your trip smoothly from the UK.

Understanding UK Departure Options

The UK offers numerous departure airports, giving travellers ample flexibility. Cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Dublin serve connecting or direct routes.

London Departure Airports

London offers two major international gateways:

London Heathrow to Pakistan – The largest international hub connecting passengers to Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad with several airlines.

London Gatwick to Pakistan – Offers seasonal and connecting flights with competitive pricing.

London airports can often provide cheap options due to increased competition, especially for those searching for cheap flights to Pakistan.

Regional UK Cities With Pakistan Routes

Many travellers opt for regional airports to avoid long commutes to London. Popular routes include:
Birmingham to Pakistan

• Manchester to Pakistan
• Glasgow to Pakistan
• Edinburgh to Pakistan
• Newcastle to Pakistan
• Dublin to Pakistan
• Birmingham to Pakistan

These airports provide comfortable connections, ideal for travellers who prefer convenient departures.

Flight Durations: How Long Do UK–Pakistan Flights Take?

When comparing flights to Pakistan, knowing the expected journey time helps you pick the best route. Direct flights range between 7 to 9 hours, depending on destination city and weather conditions. Connecting routes may take 11–20 hours, depending on layovers.

Average Flight Times from UK Airports

Below is a simple guide to how long major UK routes take:

From London Heathrow:

London Heathrow to Karachi – Approx. 8 hours

London Heathrow to Lahore – Approx. 8.5 hours

London Heathrow to Islamabad – Approx. 7.5 hours

From London Gatwick:

London Gatwick to Pakistan (Islamabad/Lahore via connection) – 10–16 hours including layovers

From Manchester Airport:

• Manchester to Pakistan (Islamabad direct) – 7.5 to 8 hours
• Manchester to Pakistan via the Middle East – 11–18 hours

From Birmingham Airport:

Birmingham to Pakistan (Islamabad/Lahore) – 7.5 to 8 hours

From Glasgow, Edinburgh or Newcastle:

Flights generally operate via connections – 11–20 hours depending on airline

From Dublin, Ireland:

Dublin to Pakistan (via layovers) – 11–20 hours

Key Things You Should Know Before Booking

When searching for flights to Pakistan, timing, costs, luggage rules and airlines need consideration. Many travellers aim for budget-friendly rates but overlook seasonal trends and travel requirements.

1. Travel Seasons Affect Airfare

Pakistan’s high travel periods:

• June–August (summer holidays)
• December–January (winter break)
• Ramadan and Eid periods

Prices rise significantly during these months. To secure cheap flights to Pakistan, consider travelling off-peak.

2. Connecting vs. Direct Flights

Direct flights offer convenience and faster arrival, but connecting flights often provide lower fares. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Etihad commonly offer connections through Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, and Abu Dhabi.

3. Visa and Entry Requirements

British passport holders require visas unless they hold dual nationality. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.

4. Baggage Allowances Differ Per Airline

Budget carriers may offer lower fares but reduced baggage. Full-service airlines offer 30–40kg baggage which benefits families visiting relatives.

Major Airlines Operating UK–Pakistan Routes

Popular airlines flying between the regions include:

• Direct Flight Operators
  Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
• British Airways (limited seasonal routes)
• Connecting Carriers
  Emirates
• Qatar Airways
• Etihad Airways
• Turkish Airlines
• Saudia

These airlines offer competitive pricing for flights to Pakistan, especially from non-London airports.

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights

One of the biggest concerns for travellers is price. With smart planning, you can secure excellent savings on your journey.

How to Save Money on Pakistan Routes

To find cheap flights to Pakistan, consider the following strategies:

• Book early – ideally 2–4 months in advance
• Use flexible dates – mid-week departures often cost less
• Check multiple airports – compare Manchester to Pakistan vs Birmingham to Pakistan
• Sign up for fare alerts
• Travel off-peak – avoid Eid and school holiday seasons

Choosing the Right Pakistani Destination

Pakistan offers multiple international airports for different travel needs.

Islamabad International Airport

Ideal for travellers heading to:

• Islamabad
• Rawalpindi
• Northern Pakistan, including Murree, Kashmir, Swat and Gilgit regions

Allama Iqbal Airport (Lahore)

Often used by travellers from:

• Punjab province
• Faisalabad, Sialkot, Gujranwala and surrounding regions

Karachi Jinnah International Airport

Best for:

• Sindh province
• Karachi residents and business travellers

Essential Travel Tips Before You Fly

Before booking flights to Pakistan, keep these useful tips in mind:

Pack According to Season

Pakistan experiences extreme temperatures. Summers can exceed 40°C while winters in the north can drop below freezing.

Follow Local Customs

Pakistan is culturally conservative; respect clothing norms and observe local etiquette.

Stay Connected

Get a Pakistani SIM card for convenient communication. Major networks include Jazz, Zong, Ufone, and Telenor Pakistan.

Airlines, Travel Times and Departure Cities

Flight Options from UK & Ireland (With Travel Times)

• London Heathrow to Pakistan – Direct 7–9 hours
• London Gatwick to Pakistan – 10–16 hours via connection
• Birmingham to Pakistan – Direct 7.5–8 hours
• Manchester to Pakistan – Direct 7.5–8 hours
• Glasgow to Pakistan – Connecting flights 11–20 hours
• Edinburgh to Pakistan – Connecting flights 11–20 hours
• Newcastle to Pakistan – Connecting flights 11–20 hours
• Dublin to Pakistan – Connecting flights 11–20 hours

Why Book Through Al Musafir Travel UK?

Booking flights to Pakistan requires knowledge and planning, especially when travelling from the UK. With guidance from Al Musafir Travel UK, understanding route options, flight durations, visa rules, and seasonal airfare patterns will make your trip smoother. Whether you’re departing from Manchester to Pakistan for business, flying from London Heathrow to Pakistan for family visits, or seeking connecting routes from Glasgow to Pakistan or Dublin to Pakistan, being aware of your airport choices helps you pick the best deal. With smart planning, flexible travel dates, and awareness of flight timings, travellers can secure cheap flights to Pakistan with ease. As long as you research airlines and timing, travelling via Birmingham to Pakistan or even Edinburgh to Pakistan can be just as convenient as flying from London—especially with the expert support of Al Musafir Travel UK guiding your journey.
By understanding these tips and choosing routes wisely, your journey becomes stress-free and fulfilling, whether your flights to Pakistan are motivated by cultural exploration or family reunions.