British Airways Resumes Flight to Pakistan Nearly a Decade After Marriott Bombings in Islamabad

By
EurAsian Times Desk
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British Airways – The national carrier of the UK, will recommence operations in Pakistan after nearly a decade, according to a statement by the British High Commission. British Airways flight operations to Pakistan were suspended following a terrorist attack on the Marriot hotel in Islamabad in 2008.

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Addressing a news conference in Islamabad  the officials of the British High Commission termed restoration of peace in Pakistan as a ‘good omen.’ Thomas Drew, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, said BA’s return was “a reflection of the great improvements” in the security.

British Airways is due to begin the London Heathrow-Islamabad service on June 15, with three weekly flights by the airline’s newest long-haul aircraft, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. According to the initial framework, three flight are set to depart in a week.

Middle Eastern carriers Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates have a strong presence in Pakistan and have been eating into PIA’s dwindling market share. Turkish Airlines also lays on a regular service to Pakistan. Islamabad has been running international advertising campaigns to rejuvenate its tourism sector.

Robert Williams, Head of Sales for Asia Pacific and the Middle East for British Airways, said the carrier believes the route “will be particularly popular with the British Pakistani community who want to visit, or be visited by, their relatives”.

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