Dubai-based Emirates has unveiled major expansion plans for Pakistan with the launch of additional flights to Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar, starting later this month.

Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore and Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad will both be served by non-stop flights seven times a week from October 31 and November 2, respectively, while Peshawar International Airport will be served by three weekly flights from November 5, a statement from the company said. 

“The additional flights to Pakistan emphasise Emirates’ long-term commitment to the country. Since the launch of the airline with our inaugural flight to Karachi, Pakistan has held special significance for Emirates,” said Majid Al Mualla, Emirates senior vice president, commercial operations - West Asia and Indian Ocean.

“Services from the four gateways will offer Pakistani travelers and businesses/exporters increased connectivity with the UAE and onwards with the rest of the world through our global network,” he said.

“These additional flights to the northern sector of the country were made possible by the strong support and efforts of the government of Pakistan. The launch of additional services will create greater socio-economic opportunities for Pakistan and Dubai as increased passenger flow will help flourish additional businesses,” Al Mualla added.

He said that the evolving market structure, improved accessibility, rise in remittances and rising consumer spending due to the expanding population which is reshaping the aviation sector in Pakistan and that Emirates is keen to continue to

The services will be operated by Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 to 200 aircraft offering the highest standards of passenger comfort, with luxurious lie-flat beds in business class and generously-sized economy class seats.

Passengers in all classes can enjoy the ICE in-flight entertainment system.

In addition, Pakistani passengers can look forward to gourmet food in all cabins and seamless transfers to a global network of over 110 destinations through Emirates’ state-of-the-art Terminal 3 hub in Dubai.

The launch of new services will allow Emirates to fly 45 times a week to the Pakistani cities, it said. – TradeArabia News Service