LONDON: The British Airways on Tuesday announced it will fly direct between Lahore and London four days a week, with the first flight scheduled to take off on Oct 14.

The British High Commission in Islamabad shared a statement with the announcement that the flights will be operated by a Boeing 787-8 from London’s Heathrow to Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport.

According to the statement, 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.”

It added that return fares from Pakistan if booked on the airline’s website start from $657 in World Traveller, $998 for World Traveller Plus, and $1,806 for Club World.

On Twitter, residents of Lahore welcomed the development whereas those in Karachi wondered when the airline will begin operations from the port city.

In July, British Airways had announced it would restart flights to Pakistan after coronavirus cases declined in the country. In a statement issued by the British High Commission in Islamabad, the airline had said the resumed direct flights would take off thrice a week between London and Islamabad starting Aug 14.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2020