Virgin Atlantic Launches Services to Pakistan

On 10 December 2020, we launched our first scheduled passenger service to Pakistan, introducing a direct route from Manchester to Islamabad. The inaugural flight, VS362, departed Manchester on 10 December and arrived at Islamabad International Airport on 11 December, where representatives of the British High Commission and Pakistani authorities welcomed the aircraft and its passengers. The launch came at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic had significantly disrupted international aviation. The Manchester service was followed by flights from London Heathrow to Islamabad on 12 December and to Lahore on 13 December. Together, the three routes established new direct connections between the UK and Pakistan, operated using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft with Upper Class, Premium and Economy cabins. The initial schedule provided four weekly services between Manchester and Islamabad, three between Heathrow and Islamabad, and four between Heathrow and Lahore. We introduced the routes to meet demand from people travelling to visit family and friends, particularly within the UK's Pakistani communities. The services also offered onward connections to North America through Heathrow, alongside cargo capacity for trade between the two countries. Our cargo operation began serving Pakistan in the same month, supporting shipments including textiles, clothing and other commercial goods. Pakistan was our first new passenger destination since the beginning of the pandemic. At a time when many established international routes remained restricted, the launch represented a targeted expansion of our network based on demand for travel between the UK and Pakistan.