New Manchester Airport service to link city with Pakistan

Shaheen Air, the private Pakistani airline, has announced a plan to launch a new route linking Manchester Airport with Islamabad.

The service, which will operate three times per week, will begin March 15 and carry passengers to Benazir Bhutto International Airport via 326-seater Airbus A330 aircraft.

Raza Channa, the UK country manager for Shaheen Air, said: “We are proud to announce the return of Shaheen Air to the UK by launching direct flights between Manchester and Islamabad.

“We are pleased to offer a fantastic service at the lowest fare and maximum baggage allowance of two piece 60kgs.”

Currently, Shaheen Air operates 13 international routes and seven services within Pakistan.

Following the launch of the Manchester flights, the firm will introduce a raft of additional European services to cities such as Milan, Copenhagen and Oslo.

Manchester Airport’s commercial director, Stephen Turner, said: “I’m delighted that Manchester Airport has been chosen by Shaheen Air as they resume flights into the UK.

“Islamabad continues to be a popular destination with the 22m people across our catchment area and this new service will provide them with additional choice for reaching the city, and also connecting around Pakistan, with Shaheen’s extensive network.”