British Airways returns to Pakistan market ending 10-year hiatus

BRITISH AIRWAYS air freight flights will resume to Pakistan after a decade-long break with the cargo division over lack of adequate security, reported London's Air Cargo News.

Carriers exited the Pakistan market in 2008 when the Marriott hotel in Islamabad was bombed, killing 50 people.



The service will operate between Heathrow and Islamabad thrice weekly utilising a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which can take 15 tonnes of cargo per flight and offers a temperature-controlled hold.



IAG Cargo sales director Camilo Garcia said: 'The new route will provide easy access to customers from the UK and beyond.



'This addition builds on our strong entry points into Southeast Asia, supporting these industries by carrying products such as apparel and medical equipment. We're proud to add Islamabad to our network of over 350 destinations globally.'



Islamabad is one of three additional routes to be introduced by the airline next year, joining Pittsburgh in the US and Osaka in Japan.



British High Commissioner to Pakistan Thomas Drew said the BA's return was a 'reflection of the great improvements' in security'.


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