There are currently limited commercial options available to return to the UK from Pakistan which isn't expected to get any easier in the next few days as the Government of Pakistan has extended the suspension of scheduled international flights until April 30, 2020, 23:59 PST.
Therefore the British authorities are arranging more repatriation flights from Pakistan to the UK the Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed on Friday.
UK special charter flights
The UK had already operated a series of special charter flights from Pakistan for British nationals who normally live in the UK and their direct dependants to return to the UK and as the demand was so great, they are operating a second wave of flights from 30 April to 5 May.
This will include one direct flight from Karachi to London Heathrow, four direct flights from Islamabad to Manchester, two direct flights from Lahore to Manchester, one direct flight from Islamabad to London Heathrow, and one direct flight from Lahore to London Heathrow.
The UK Government’s focus is on bringing home stranded British nationals, and foreign nationals travelling with close family members who are British nationals. Vulnerable non-British UK residents with Indefinite Leave to Remain, and other foreign nationals may only be accommodated if there is sufficient capacity.
Second round of charter flights
| Airport | Flight dates | Booking link |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi | 30 April | register to book from Karachi |
| Islamabad | 30 April, 1, 2, 4, 5 May | register to book from Islamabad |
| Lahore | 1, 2, 5 May | register to book from Lahore |
To book, you will need:
a valid passport, and to be able to meet the entry requirements of the UK
contact details for each traveller you are registering
your UK home address and postcode
your means of payment, such as credit or debit card details
Confirmed passengers should receive a confirmation email with their flight times 24 hours in advance of the flight.
The cost of a ticket from Islamabad and Lahore is £522 and from Karachi is £498.
If you have difficulty booking online, send an SMS text message containing ONLY your full name to +44 (0) 786 009 3013 and someone will get in touch to assist you. Please only send one message to this number. CTM will contact you.
If you cannot pay the cost of the ticket, send an SMS text message containing ONLY your full name to +44 (0) 786 009 3013 and someone from our team will get in touch to discuss all other options available to you for getting funds. If you have exhausted all other options available to you for getting funds, you may be eligible to apply for an emergency loan from the government to cover the cost of the ticket. This is a last resort option and you would need to repay the loan when you are back in the UK. CTM are a commercial partner of the FCO and are authorised to administer such loans on behalf of the FCO.
Do not contact the High Commission directly to reserve a seat as they will be unable to take your booking.
Do not travel to the airport without a confirmed ticket, as tickets will not be on sale at the airport.
A small number of particularly vulnerable people may receive a call to alert you to these flights and recommend you book. To protect you from scams, callers will identify themselves to you using personal information you have already submitted to the High Commission. However, do not wait for a call – if you want to board one of these flights, register to book a flight now.
More information on the flights themselves, including cost and baggage allowances, is available when you book through CTM. Although in-flight meals will be provided, shops may not be open at the airport, so you should bring your own food and a refillable water bottle. You should also bring your passport and travel documentation, a face mask, and a printed copy of your confirmation email if possible, and if not bring an electronic copy.
If a flight is cancelled with no replacement offered, refunds will be processed within 14 working days by CTM. If you cancel your flight less than 24hrs before a flight’s scheduled departure, you will not be eligible for a refund.
Other flights
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have announced they intend to operate a limited number of flights, including to Manchester, Birmingham and London, from 19 to 28 April. You should contact PIA offices for further information. PIA operated 22 commercial flights between 4 and 12 April. There was high demand for these flights.
We understand Qatar Airways (QA) is planning some special flights to London from Lahore on 25, 28 and 29 April and from Peshawar on 29 April. All flights will be via Doha. To book tickets on these QA flights you can call or visit any QA booking office, or use the QA website. Some tickets may also be available through travel agents.
If departure options are available but you cannot afford the travel costs and have exhausted all other options for getting funds, you may be eligible to apply for an emergency loan from the government. This is a last resort option and you would need to repay the loan when you are back in the UK. For more information, you should contact Corporate Travel Management (CTM). CTM are a commercial partner of the FCO and are authorised to administer such loans on behalf of the FCO.
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