Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Europe to Pakistan

Direct flight routes to Pakistan

Non-stop flights between Europe and Pakistan are limited to a few routes operated by national carriers.

• London Heathrow (LHR) – Islamabad (ISB): Pakistan International Airlines, British Airways, 8h 00m


• Paris (CDG) – Islamabad (ISB): Pakistan International Airlines, 7h 45m


• Barcelona (BCN) – Lahore (LHE): Pakistan International Airlines, 8h 15m


• Milan (MXP) – Lahore (LHE): Pakistan International Airlines, 7h 30m

Layover/stopover options

Dubai (DXB): Emirates hub offering frequent connections to multiple Pakistani cities. Average connection time 3-4 hours. Modern terminal facilities and duty-free shopping. Possibility of stopover tourism program.

Doha (DOH): Qatar Airways main hub with extensive Pakistan coverage. Efficient minimum connection time of 2 hours. Award-winning terminal with complimentary quiet rooms for longer layovers.

Istanbul (IST): Turkish Airlines hub with good coverage of Pakistani destinations. Connection times typically 4-5 hours. Free city tour for longer layovers above 6 hours.

Time vs money

Non-stop flights typically command premium prices but save 4-8 hours of total travel time. Connecting flights through Middle Eastern hubs offer more competitive pricing and frequent deals, especially when booked 2-3 months in advance.

Tips and recommendations

• Book Middle Eastern carriers’ connections for Tuesday or Wednesday departures for best rates


• Consider Turkish Airlines for free accommodation on layovers exceeding 12 hours


• Gulf carriers often offer better baggage allowance than direct flights


• Monitor fare deals during off-peak seasons (January-February, October-November)


• Choose morning departures from Europe to optimize connection times in Middle Eastern hubs

• Turkish Airlines offers the best value-to-comfort ratio on Europe-Pakistan routes, with fares typically 15-20% below market average. Their Istanbul hub provides convenient connections from 30+ European cities, with total journey times averaging 12-14 hours. The airline operates modern A330s with 32-inch pitch in economy to both Karachi and Islamabad.
• Flying via the Gulf hubs (particularly Doha) can save up to 30% compared to direct flights, especially when booking 2-3 months ahead. Qatar Airways consistently offers promotional fares from secondary European cities like Budapest, Prague, and Warsaw. Their modern fleet features spacious 3-3-3 configuration on 787s and A350s.
• British Airways’ fifth freedom route from London to Islamabad allows connections from Europe via London, often at competitive rates during off-peak seasons. The route uses Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners with superior cabin pressure and humidity levels. BA’s generous baggage allowance of two 23kg pieces in economy makes it particularly attractive for longer stays.
• Consider Virgin Atlantic’s new service from London to Lahore, which launched with aggressive pricing to establish market presence. The airline’s A330-300s offer one of the most generous economy seat pitches at 34 inches. Connections via London are available from multiple European cities through Virgin’s partnerships with KLM and Air France.
• For travel from Eastern European cities, Pegasus Airlines offers ultra-low fares via Istanbul SAW airport to multiple Pakistani destinations. While comfort is basic, prices can be up to 40% below legacy carriers. The trade-off is longer connection times, typically 4-6 hours in Istanbul.

1. Only checking direct flights Many travelers miss out on significant savings by ignoring one-stop routes via Gulf carriers (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad) or Turkish Airlines, which often offer better prices and frequent connections to multiple Pakistani cities.
2. Booking for peak season without planning ahead Flights to Pakistan during summer holidays and Eid festivals can be 2-3 times more expensive than off-peak periods, so booking at least 6 months in advance is crucial for these dates.
3. Overlooking secondary airports Focusing only on Karachi and Islamabad while ignoring Lahore and Multan airports can result in missed opportunities for better connections and lower fares from European cities.
4. Not checking baggage allowances Pakistan-bound flights often have generous baggage allowances (up to 40kg on some carriers), but many travelers book cheaper fares with restricted baggage limits and end up paying excessive fees at the airport.
5. Ignoring overnight layover options Some travelers avoid long layovers in Gulf cities, missing out on free hotel stays offered by airlines like Qatar Airways and Emirates for layovers over 8 hours, which can turn a tedious journey into a mini break.

Turkish Airlines

Best for: Most extensive European network with flights to Pakistan from 27 European cities, including Istanbul, London, and Paris.

Turkish Airlines offers the most convenient connections through Istanbul with typically short layovers of 2-4 hours. Economy class features comfortable seats with 31-32 inch pitch and high-quality meals prepared by Flying Chefs. Their aircraft serving Pakistani routes (primarily A330s and B777s) are well-maintained with modern entertainment systems. Passenger ratings consistently average 4/5 for economy service.

Qatar Airways

Best for: Superior service quality and comfort, operating from 19 European cities, mainly London, Paris, and Frankfurt.

Qatar Airways provides exceptional service through their Doha hub, with economy seats offering generous 32-33 inch pitch. Their dining service receives high praise for authentic halal options and portion sizes. Modern aircraft fleet includes A350s and B787s with state-of-the-art entertainment systems. Passengers regularly rate their economy experience 4.5/5.

Emirates

Best for: Premium economy class option and entertainment variety, serving 21 European cities, primarily London, Manchester, and Munich.

Emirates connects through Dubai with reliable scheduling and good aircraft equipment (A380s and B777s). Economy seats provide 32-inch pitch with adjustable headrests. Their ICE entertainment system offers extensive content in multiple languages. Meals are good quality and culturally appropriate. Overall passenger satisfaction averages 4/5.

Etihad Airways

Best for: Competitive prices and baggage allowance, operating from 12 European cities, mainly London, Paris, and Frankfurt.

Etihad offers consistent service through Abu Dhabi with reasonable connection times. Economy cabin features comfortable seats with 31-32 inch pitch. Meal service includes both western and south Asian options. Their newer aircraft (B787s and A350s) provide modern amenities and entertainment. Passenger ratings average 3.8/5 for economy class.

Using APAC carriers for better deals to Pakistan

Smart travelers can save significantly on flights from Europe to Pakistan by leveraging regional Asian carriers instead of booking direct routes with major airlines. This strategy requires more planning but can reduce costs by 20-40%.

Key money-saving tactics

1. Split the journey: Book separate tickets – one to a major Asian hub like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Dubai, then connect to Pakistan using regional carriers like Air Arabia, FlyDubai, or AirAsia
2. Target budget hubs: Focus on airports with high competition among regional carriers. Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur typically offer the best connection options to Pakistani cities
3. Timing matters: Book the Europe-Asia leg during low season (October-November), when prices drop significantly
4. Mix and match airlines: Combine services from different carriers – use major airlines for the long-haul segment and budget carriers for the regional portion

While this approach requires longer layovers and separate bookings, savings can exceed €300 per round trip. Remember to factor in adequate connection time and baggage policies when booking separate tickets.