UK announces 9 more charter flights from Pakistan to return thousands of stranded Brits
These will include the first UK charter flight from Karachi, which will depart on 30 April, in addition to further departures from Islamabad and Lahore.
UK announces 9 more charter flights from Pakistan to return thousands of stranded Brits
Almost 5,000 British travellers in Pakistan are to be brought home to the UK following the announcement today of a further nine Government-chartered flights.
These will include the first UK charter flight from Karachi, which will depart on 30 April, in addition to further departures from Islamabad and Lahore.
Around 2,500 people have already booked on to the 10 government charter flights that are taking place between 21 to 27 April. This second phase of flights announced today will carry more than 2,250 travellers.
The new flights are as follows:
- 30 April: Karachi to London, Islamabad to Manchester
- 2 May: Islamabad to Manchester
- 3 May: Lahore to London
- 4 May: Islamabad to London
- 5 May: Lahore to Manchester, Islamabad to Manchester
- 6 May: Islamabad to Manchester
- 7 May: Lahore to Manchester
There has been a huge demand for these flights, with seats for Lahore and Islamabad now being allocated to those already registered via the government’s online booking website - CTM.
The portal is now open for those who would like to book on the Karachi flight. Anyone who would like to return to the UK from Karachi should register their interest on the portal as future flights will be based on waitlists.
Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab said:
With commercial flights back from Pakistan scaled back at the moment, we have chartered a further nine more flights to help get stranded British travellers home.
This will help thousands of British nationals get back home to their loved ones.
FCO Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, said:
Thousands more British nationals in Pakistan will now be able to fly home following the announcement of these 9 extra flights, which include our first from Karachi. They will join more than 10,500 people who will have already flown home from Pakistan on commercial options and more than 2,500 on charter flights.
This remains a hugely challenging logistical operation. I am grateful for the co-operation of the Pakistani authorities, the patience of the British people we are working to help, and the hard work of those making it happen.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Christian Turner, said:
More than 10,500 people have returned home by commercial routes since airspace in Pakistan closed, and by Monday we expect that a further 2,500 British Nationals will have flown back to the UK on our first 10 charter flights.
We know there is more to do, and I’m pleased that there will be a further nine chartered flights next week; eight from Islamabad and Lahore; and one from Karachi to London Heathrow.
As we start the holy month of Ramazan, a time for people to reunite with their families and a time for reflection, I am glad that travellers will be able to make it home and be with their loved ones at this special time.
Guidance on how to book onto a government charter flight back to the UK
Background
- to book seats, and find out more information, British travellers should visit the FCO’s Pakistan Travel Advice; return to the UK page on GOV.UK
- the charter flights are for UK travellers who normally reside in the UK and their direct dependants. Seats will be reserved for those deemed vulnerable
- movement within Pakistan is restricted. Those who are eligible to fly will be advised to follow travel advice for transport to airports. They will be sent travel itineraries directly when their seat is confirmed
- details regarding luggage allowance, flight costs and carriers will be available on the booking portal
- the price of a ticket for each flight is between £498 to £522
- the British High Commission continues to provide consular support to any British nationals who remain in Pakistan. Consular helpline numbers: +92 (0)51 201 2000
- details of the ten previously announced charter flights are here
Further information
Follow the British High Commission Islamabad:
- Twitter: @UKinPakistan, @CTurnerFCO
- #UKPAKDosti