AirBlue

AirBlue: Flights Between Pakistan and the UK

Private Pakistani airline AirBlue is to begin flights between Pakistan and the UK from June 1, 2007.

The flights from Islamabad to Manchester were confirmed this week, having first been rumoured earlier this year.

According to Jang Group Online, the plans were unveiled in the presence of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the airline's chairman and chief executive, as well as a number of officials from the travel industry in Pakistan.

Abbasi pointed out that there are now strong links between Islamabad and Manchester, making the new route hugely important to communities in both regions.

Founded in 2004, AirBlue serves a number of destinations within Pakistan including Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Gawadar.

The airline also operates international routes from Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar to Dubai.