Leeds Bradford Airport loses Pakistan flight

[14th May 2008]

Flights from Leeds Bradford airport to Islamabad in Pakistan are to be cancelled from the end of May.

The service was introduced in January by Pakistan’s second national carrier, Shaheen Air International. But now the airline has decided to scrap the twice weekly service because it does not have enough aircraft for the route.

Ababeel Travel and Tours is currently advertising a special offer on its website for return flights from Leeds Bradford airport to Islamabad including a complimentary coach service from the airport to Mirpur for just £350.

When Shaheen launched the service earlier this year, chairman Kahlid M Sehbai said: “I am sure that Pakistanis living in and around Yorkshire will strongly support the new service and thus encourage us to add more frequencies from Leeds Bradford”.

Leeds Bradford airport is believed to be looking for another airline to offer new flights from the airport to Pakistan. Tony Hallwood, commercial and aviation development director at Leeds Bradford airport told the Yorkshire Evening Post:

"There is a very strong demand for a direct service to Pakistan from Leeds Bradford and we are naturally disappointed that the service has been withdrawn. We are however already in discussions with alternative airlines with a view to re-starting direct operations to Pakistan as soon as possible and we are confident of success."

Pakistan International Airlines currently offers flights to Islamabad from Heathrow, Stansted, Birmingham and Manchester airports.

Written by: Nick Purdom