Islamabad International Airport (ISB) serves as the primary gateway to Pakistan's capital city, Islamabad. Opened in 2018, ISB is a modern airport equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities designed to enhance the travel experience for passengers. Located approximately 30 km from Islamabad's city center, the airport's strategic location facilitates convenient access to and from the city.

Airlines Flying from London Heathrow to Islamabad

Several reputable airlines operate flights between London Heathrow (LHR) and Islamabad International Airport (ISB). These airlines include:

  • British Airways
  • Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • Qatar Airways
  • Emirates
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Etihad Airways
  • Oman Air
  • Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines)
  • Gulf Air

Each airline offers a range of schedules and services, ensuring travelers have diverse options to suit their preferences and travel needs.

Best Time to Book Cheap Flights

To secure affordable flights from London Heathrow to Islamabad, consider these strategies:

Off-Peak Seasons: Travel during off-peak months, typically outside major holiday periods and events, to find lower airfares.

Midweek Flights: Tuesdays and Wednesdays generally experience lower demand, resulting in potentially cheaper ticket prices.

Advance Booking: Plan ahead and book your flight well in advance. This allows you to take advantage of lower fares before they increase closer to the departure date.

Flexible Dates: Remain flexible with your travel dates. Adjusting departure and return dates by a few days can often lead to significant savings.

Flight Duration and Time Difference

Flight Duration: Direct flights from London Heathrow to Islamabad typically take approximately 7 to 8 hours. This duration can vary based on factors such as the specific airline, departure airport in the UK, and prevailing weather conditions. Indirect flights involving one or more stops may extend travel time significantly, averaging between 10 to 15 hours or more depending on layover duration and routing.

Time Difference: Islamabad operates on Pakistan Standard Time (PST), which is usually 5 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+5). Consequently, Islamabad is 5 hours ahead of London, UK time. Travelers should consider this time difference when planning activities or coordinating schedules between the two locations.

Return Flight Costs

The cost of a return flight from London Heathrow to Islamabad varies depending on several factors:

  • Economy Class: Average return fares in economy class typically range from £500 to £900 or more, depending on the airline, booking conditions, and travel dates.
  • Premium Economy Class: Fares for premium economy class generally range from £900 to £1300 or higher. Premium economy offers additional comfort and amenities compared to standard economy class.
  • Business Class: Business class fares vary widely, with average prices ranging from £1500 to £3000 or more. Business class provides superior services, including spacious seating and gourmet dining options.
  • First Class: First class fares start from £3000 and can exceed this amount, offering the highest level of luxury and personalized services.

Baggage Allowance

Most airlines provide a complimentary checked baggage allowance and hand luggage allowance for passengers traveling from London Heathrow to Islamabad:

  • Economy Class: Typically includes a checked baggage allowance ranging from 20 kg to 30 kg per passenger, along with a hand luggage allowance of 5 kg to 10 kg, adhering to specific dimensions set by the airline.
  • Premium Economy Class: Offers a higher checked baggage allowance, usually ranging from 25 kg to 35 kg, with a hand luggage allowance similar to or slightly higher than that of economy class.
  • Business Class: Provides a more generous checked baggage allowance, commonly ranging from 30 kg to 40 kg, along with a more liberal hand luggage allowance compared to lower classes.
  • First Class: Offers the highest checked baggage allowance, often exceeding 40 kg, with the most generous hand luggage allowance among all classes.

Travel Tips for Islamabad

Local Transport: Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, travelers can choose from various transportation options such as taxis, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem, rental cars, and local buses. These options provide convenient and accessible ways to explore the city and its surrounding areas.

Visa Requirements: UK residents planning to visit Islamabad must obtain a valid visa before departure. The visa application process involves submitting necessary documents such as passport details, photographs, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and financial stability. Applicants may also need to provide a vaccination certificate for polio, as this is mandatory for entry into Pakistan. It's advisable to check with the Pakistan High Commission in the UK for the most up-to-date visa requirements and application procedures.

Best Time to Visit: Islamabad experiences four distinct seasons: spring (March to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to February). Spring and autumn are considered the best times to visit due to mild temperatures and clear skies, ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and exploring cultural sites.

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