Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from North America to Pakistan

Direct flight routes to Pakistan

Currently there are no non-stop flights between North America and Pakistan. All routes require at least one connection.

Layover/stopover options

Dubai (DXB) – Emirates hub offering frequent connections to multiple Pakistani cities. Average connection time 3-4 hours. Modern terminal with excellent shopping and dining options.

Doha (DOH) – Qatar Airways main hub with daily flights to Pakistan. Efficient minimum connection time of 2 hours. Award-winning airport with complimentary city tours for longer layovers.

Istanbul (IST) – Turkish Airlines hub connecting North America with Pakistan. Average layover 4-5 hours. Free hotel for layovers over 12 hours, convenient city access.

Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Etihad Airways operations with connections to major Pakistani cities. Connection times typically 3-4 hours. US pre-clearance facility available.

Time vs money

Routes with longer layovers typically offer lower fares, while shortest total journey times command premium prices. Middle Eastern carriers often provide the best balance between duration and cost.

Tips and recommendations

• Book Middle Eastern carrier connections through their own hubs rather than codeshare flights for better reliability.


• Consider seasonal pricing variations – fares peak during summer and winter holidays.


• Look for fifth-freedom flights through European hubs, which can offer competitive prices.


• Compare prices for nearby departure airports – savings can justify domestic positioning flights.


• Check visa requirements for layover countries, even if not leaving the airport.

• Turkish Airlines via Istanbul offers consistently lower fares to Pakistan compared to Gulf carriers, often 15-20% below market average. Their modern A350 and B787 fleet features 31-inch pitch in economy and excellent lounges during layovers. The Istanbul route allows convenient connections to all major Pakistani cities including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Peshawar.
• Flying through Doha on Qatar Airways provides superior comfort with their QSuite business class and recently upgraded economy seats featuring 32-inch pitch. Their extensive Pakistani network includes six cities, with particularly competitive rates from Chicago and Montreal. Connection times in Doha are typically under 4 hours.
• Emirates’ fifth freedom route from Seattle to Dubai connects well with Pakistani destinations and often offers promotional fares up to 25% below market rates. The airline operates modern Boeing 777s and A380s on Dubai-Pakistan routes, with consistent service quality and generous baggage allowance.
• Consider departing from secondary Canadian gateways like Toronto where Etihad Airways frequently offers promotional fares to Pakistani cities via Abu Dhabi. Their economy cabin features ergonomic seats with 31-33 inch pitch, and their evening departures align well with arrival times in Pakistan.
• For West Coast travelers, Korean Air’s Seoul connection to Islamabad provides an alternative eastern routing that’s often overlooked and competitively priced. Their A330s and 787s offer superior cabin comfort with 33-inch pitch in economy, though this route requires longer total travel time.

1. Booking direct flights only Many travelers overlook efficient one-stop routes through Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul, which often offer better prices and more frequent connections to Pakistani cities than limited direct flights from North America.
2. Ignoring seasonal pricing variations Failing to book during off-peak seasons (September-November) and instead traveling during peak summer months (June-August) or winter holidays can result in paying up to 40% more for the same routes.
3. Choosing Karachi as the only arrival option Travelers often overlook other major airports like Islamabad or Lahore, which might offer better connections and lower fares depending on their final destination within Pakistan.
4. Last-minute visa arrangements Not securing a Pakistani visa well in advance (at least 4-6 weeks before departure) can result in rushed processing fees or, worse, missing flights due to visa delays.
5. Booking short layovers in Gulf countries Selecting connections with less than 3 hours layover time in busy Middle Eastern hubs risks missing connecting flights due to frequent delays and lengthy security procedures.

Qatar Airways

Best for: Most comfortable Economy Class seats and highest passenger satisfaction ratings on North America-Pakistan routes.

Serves 12 US/Canadian cities to Pakistan, with main departures from New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), and Montreal (YUL). Features industry-leading seat pitch of 32-34 inches in Economy and high-quality amenity kits. Single connection in Doha offers efficient transfers under 4 hours to Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Consistently rated 4.5/5 by passengers for meal quality and cabin crew service.

Emirates

Best for: Most extensive entertainment options and generous baggage allowance (two 23kg bags in Economy).

Operates from 9 North American cities to Pakistan, primarily from New York (JFK), Toronto (YYZ), and Los Angeles (LAX). Dubai stopover typically ranges 2-5 hours. Modern fleet features 13.3-inch seatback screens with over 4,500 entertainment options. Middle Eastern and Pakistani cuisine options consistently receive high marks from travelers.

Turkish Airlines

Best for: Most affordable fares while maintaining quality service and good connection times.

Serves 8 North American destinations to Pakistan, mainly from New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), and Toronto (YYZ). Istanbul hub offers convenient connections under 5 hours. Economy seats provide 31-inch pitch with adjustable headrests. Flying Chef program ensures quality meals, with Turkish and Pakistani options available. Average passenger rating of 4/5.

Etihad Airways

Best for: Most flexible booking conditions and reliable baggage handling.

Operates from 6 North American cities to Pakistan, primarily from New York (JFK), Washington (IAD), and Toronto (YYZ). Abu Dhabi connections typically under 4 hours. Economy Smart seats offer 31-32 inch pitch with ergonomic design. Known for accommodating dietary restrictions and offering prayer times information. Consistently rated 4/5 for overall service quality.

Using Asian carriers strategically for Pakistan travel

Savvy travelers can significantly reduce costs on flights to Pakistan by leveraging regional Asian carriers. The key is to split your journey into two separate bookings, though this requires careful planning.

1. Book a major carrier to an Asian hub – Find deals to Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur on airlines like Korean Air or Japan Airlines.
2. Connect via regional budget carriers – From these hubs, use airlines like Air Asia, Thai Lion Air, or Malindo Air to reach Pakistan. These carriers often offer dramatically lower fares than direct routes.
3. Consider Middle Eastern connections – Dubai and Doha serve as excellent intermediate points, with budget carriers like flydubai offering competitive rates to Pakistani cities.

While this strategy can save hundreds of dollars, travelers should factor in additional considerations:

1. Allow ample connection time for separate tickets
2. Account for baggage fees on budget carriers
3. Check visa requirements for layover countries

This approach works best when booking 3-4 months in advance, particularly during off-peak seasons. The savings can often exceed 40% compared to traditional single-ticket routes.