Flights from London to Islamabad Compared

London is the UK's biggest market for Islamabad flights, and it has more options than any other departure city. PIA and British Airways both fly non-stop, and Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Gulf Air and Riyadh Air connect once through their hubs. Two lower-cost options are also worth knowing about: Air Arabia from London Gatwick via Sharjah, and Azerbaijan Airlines from London Heathrow via Baku.

The direct flights take around eight hours. One-stop flights usually take eleven to fourteen hours door to door.

Which airport you use depends on which airline you choose. British Airways flies non-stop to Islamabad from London Gatwick, while PIA and most of the Gulf and Turkish services operate from Heathrow. If you live south of London, Gatwick may be the easier airport. If you live north or west, Heathrow is usually closer.

Do not choose an airport on distance alone. A fare that is £100 cheaper from the other airport is worth a train ticket, particularly for a family of four or more.

Both airlines are non-stop and take about the same time. PIA offers Pakistani meals and Urdu-speaking crew, and a 40kg baggage allowance on most fares. British Airways allows two checked bags of 23kg each, which is 46kg in total, and a more generous cabin bag allowance. Check which fare type is quoted, as baggage can differ between the cheapest and flexible fares.

Non-stop flights fill first for Eid, Christmas and the summer, so book these early.

One-stop airlines are often cheaper than non-stop, and they offer many more departure times. Qatar Airways and Emirates have very short, well-run connections in Doha and Dubai. Turkish Airlines often has a lower fare, and on a long connection it can include a stopover hotel. Choose a connection of around two to three hours if you can.

Lower-cost options such as Air Arabia can look very cheap, but the layover in Sharjah is usually long and checked baggage depends on the fare. Compare the total price including the bags you need, not just the headline fare.

Islamabad International Airport serves Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Abbottabad, Mirpur and Jhelum. Check your documents before you travel. British passport holders without a NICOP or POC card need a visa. Our documents guide covers what to carry, and entry rules can change, so confirm them with official sources before you pay.

Both airports have fast rail links, which makes a train the easiest option if you are travelling with luggage and children. Heathrow is on the Elizabeth line and the Heathrow Express, and Gatwick is served by direct trains from central London and from the south coast. If you drive, pre-book parking or drop-off, and allow extra time for roadworks and traffic on the M25.

Plan to arrive at least three hours before an international departure. At Eid and in the summer holidays the check-in queues for flights to Pakistan can be long, so earlier is safer.

Islamabad International Airport is some distance outside the city, so allow time for the road journey to Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree or Abbottabad, and arrange your pick-up before you fly. Most flights from London land in the morning or early afternoon, which makes the onward journey easier in daylight.

Flying into Islamabad and returning from Lahore, or the other way round, can save a long drive if your family is in different cities. Ask us for an open-jaw quote and we will price it for you.

See current prices on the London to Islamabad page, then request a quote with your dates and the airport you prefer. We compare every airline and confirm the fare on WhatsApp or by phone before you pay.