Air Arabia and Budget Flights to Pakistan

Low-cost airlines advertise a low base fare and charge separately for things the bigger airlines include, such as checked baggage, seat selection and meals. That can still be good value for a traveller with a small bag, but a family with two large suitcases may find the total is higher than a full-service airline.

Air Arabia flies from London Gatwick to Sharjah, with onward connections to almost every Pakistani city: Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Sialkot, Multan, Faisalabad and Quetta. It is one of the few options to reach Quetta and smaller airports without going through Karachi.

The layover in Sharjah is usually long, often many hours, so plan for a tiring day. Checked baggage runs from none up to 23kg depending on the fare you choose, so tell us how much you need and we price it in.

Azerbaijan Airlines flies from London Heathrow to Baku, with connections to Islamabad and Lahore. The baggage allowance depends on the fare, up to 23kg per piece. Ask us for the current fare and rules on your dates.

Check the layover length and whether you have to change terminals or collect bags between flights. Check the cabin bag size and weight limit, as they are often smaller than on full-service airlines. Check whether meals, seat selection and checked baggage are included, and how much each costs.

Look at the change and refund rules. Cheap fares are often less flexible, which matters if your plans can move.

It works well for a solo traveller or a couple with light luggage, flexible timing and a smaller budget. It is a poor fit for a family with young children, elderly passengers or heavy bags, where a non-stop flight with PIA or a one-stop flight with a full-service airline is easier.

Low-cost airlines are strict about cabin bags. Check the size and weight limit before you pack, as an oversized or overweight bag can cost much more at the gate than it would have cost to add online. Buying extras at the airport is almost always more expensive than adding them at booking.

Check-in rules can also differ. Some low-cost airlines charge to check in at the airport desk, so complete your check-in online where you can.

A long layover is not just an inconvenience, it is also a risk if you are not sure of the rules. Check whether you can leave the airport, whether you will need a visa to do so, and where you can rest. Bring a charger, snacks and a warm layer.

Book the whole journey as a single ticket. If the first flight is late and you miss the second, a single ticket means the airline has to look after you. Two separate tickets do not give you that protection, even when the price looks lower.

Ask for the total price including the baggage you need, then compare it with Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Gulf Air and PIA. Request a quote and we will price them side by side before you pay.