Cheap flights to Pakistan

Flights from the UK to Pakistan take approximately 7–9 hours on direct non-stop services. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and British Airways operate direct flights from London Heathrow to Islamabad and Karachi. Pakistan's proximity to the UK (relatively speaking) makes it one of South Asia's more accessible destinations in terms of flight time, comparable to flying to the Indian subcontinent.

The best time to visit Pakistan varies by region due to the country's enormous geographic diversity. The northern highlands (Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, Skardu, and the Karakoram) are best from May to September when passes are open and trekking conditions are optimal — summer temperatures at altitude are pleasantly warm (15–25°C) while the rest of the country is very hot. Lahore, Islamabad, and the Punjab plains are most pleasant October–March. The coast (Karachi) is temperate October–March. Avoid the peak summer heat of May–July in the lowlands (up to 45°C).

Pakistan's main international airports are Islamabad International Airport (ISB) — the newest and most modern, serving the capital — and Jinnah International Airport (KHI) in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city and commercial hub. Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) is the third major hub. Direct flights from the UK typically arrive into Islamabad or Karachi. Pakistan International Airlines operates domestic connections between major cities.

The cheapest time to fly to Pakistan from the UK outside of very low demand periods is generally October–November and February–March. The peak Eid periods (dates change annually based on the Islamic lunar calendar) see very high demand and prices — particularly from Pakistani diaspora communities in the UK. Booking well in advance of Eid or travelling outside these windows delivers the best fares.

Pakistan is 5 hours ahead of the UK during Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in winter, and 4 hours ahead during British Summer Time (BST). Pakistan Standard Time (PKT) is UTC+5 year-round — Pakistan does not observe Daylight Saving Time. When it's midday in London (GMT), it's 5pm in Islamabad.

Urdu is the national language of Pakistan and serves as the lingua franca between the country's many linguistic groups. It is widely understood across the country, though not everyone's first language. English is an official language of Pakistan, used in government, law, higher education, and business, and is spoken comfortably by educated Pakistanis, particularly in urban centres. Regional languages include Punjabi (the most widely spoken native language), Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, and many others. British-Pakistani diaspora visitors will find communication very straightforward.

UK driving licence holders can drive in Pakistan using their valid UK licence together with an International Driving Permit (IDP). Pakistan drives on the left. Road conditions vary enormously — highways between major cities have improved significantly, but rural roads can be poor. The Karakoram Highway is an exceptional road experience but requires a 4WD vehicle in some sections and careful preparation. Driving in Karachi and Lahore city traffic is chaotic and can be intimidating. Many visitors prefer to hire a driver for both safety and ease.

Yes — there are direct non-stop flights from the UK to Pakistan. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates direct flights from London Heathrow to Islamabad and Karachi. British Airways also operates direct services from Heathrow to Islamabad. These direct routes make Pakistan relatively convenient to reach from London compared to many South Asian destinations. Regional UK airports typically require a connection via a Gulf hub.

Airlines serving the UK–Pakistan route include Pakistan International Airlines (PIA — Pakistan's national carrier, with direct flights from London Heathrow to Islamabad and Karachi), British Airways (Heathrow to Islamabad and Karachi), Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Etihad (via Abu Dhabi), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), and flydubai or Air Arabia (budget connections via Gulf hubs). PIA and BA offer the most direct routing.

British passport holders require a visa to visit Pakistan. A tourist e-visa can be applied for online through the Pakistan Visa Online portal. Tourist e-visas allow single or multiple entry stays of varying durations. The process has improved significantly in recent years, with e-visas typically issued within 1–5 working days. Costs vary depending on the type of visa. Some UK nationals of Pakistani origin may hold NIC (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis) — which grants different entry rights. Always check the latest requirements with the Pakistan High Commission in London before applying.

Return flights from the UK to Pakistan typically cost between £400 and £900 on direct services, and can be lower via connecting hubs. PIA and British Airways direct routes to Islamabad and Karachi are typically in the £450–£850 range. Connecting options via Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul can offer competitive fares. The Pakistani summer (July–August) and Eid holidays are the most expensive periods for travel to Pakistan, driven by the large British-Pakistani diaspora travelling home.

Pakistan is a destination of extraordinary but largely undiscovered natural beauty and historical depth. Highlights include the dramatic Karakoram Highway (one of the world's highest international roads, connecting Pakistan to China through spectacular mountain scenery), the Hunza Valley (surrounded by some of the world's highest peaks including K2, Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi, and others), the ancient Indus Valley civilisation cities of Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, the Mughal architecture of Lahore (including the Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort), the colourful truck art culture, the warmth of Pakistani hospitality, trekking in the Karakoram, Hindukush, and Himalayas, and the ancient Buddhist ruins of Taxila.

The currency in Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Cash is widely used throughout the country, particularly in markets, local restaurants, and transport. Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted in major hotels, upscale restaurants, and some shops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, but cash is essential everywhere else. ATMs are available in major cities but can be unreliable or out of cash in smaller towns. Currency can be exchanged at official exchange bureaux — the most competitive rates are often at authorised money changers in markets.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Pakistan. Medical facilities vary significantly — good private hospitals exist in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, but facilities in rural and northern mountain areas are extremely limited. Emergency evacuation from the northern mountain regions can be very costly. The UK FCDO advises against travel to certain areas of Pakistan, including parts of Balochistan, the border regions with Afghanistan, and tribal areas — always check the latest FCDO travel advice carefully before planning your trip. Your policy should cover comprehensive medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and activities such as high-altitude trekking.

Baggage allowances for direct flights to Pakistan from the UK on PIA and British Airways typically include one checked bag of 23–30kg plus hand luggage in economy. PIA has historically allowed generous baggage on the UK–Pakistan route. Connecting options via the Gulf hubs may have their own policies. Always verify when booking, particularly if combining with domestic Pakistani airlines (PIA domestic routes typically allow 20–30kg).

Pakistan has an extremely diverse climate across its varied geography. Karachi and the Sindh coast have a hot, arid climate — warm winters (18–25°C) and very hot summers (35–42°C) with high humidity. The Punjab (Lahore, Multan) has a continental climate with hot summers (40–45°C) and cool winters (5–15°C, with occasional frost). Islamabad and the Pothohar Plateau have a more moderate climate — hot summers and cold winters with some snowfall. The northern mountain regions (Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir) have an Alpine climate — snow-covered in winter, pleasantly warm at altitude in summer. Monsoon rains affect most of the country from July to September.