A BRADFORD MP has called for an airline to reconsider temporarily suspending direct flights to Pakistan from the UK.

Naz Shah, who represents Bradford West, says she has received concerns from her constituents regarding British Airways’ plans to cut back on direct flights to Pakistan in the coming weeks.

She says the cancellation of direct flights between the two countries will mean passengers will be forced into much longer flight times, possibly involving a third country or an increase in cost for their trips.

 

British Airways confirmed it is temporarily suspending its Islamabad route for ‘commercial and operational reasons’. The Telegraph & Argus believes British Airways will be cancelling flights for a two-week period from June 15.

Ms Shah wrote to Sean Doyle, chief executive of the airline, in a bid for them to change their minds.

In the letter, she wrote: “I am writing to you following concerns raised to me by my constituents regarding British Airways cutting back direct flights to Pakistan in the coming weeks.

“Britain and Pakistan have many things in common, their biggest connection being British Pakistanis that provide regular trade and travel between the two nations. Hundreds of thousands of people travel through the great nations, making it an important travel route.

“It has become apparent that from June 15, 2022, British Airways will have no direct flights to Pakistan. This means that travellers who are usually able to travel to Islamabad from London on a direct seven-hour flight, will either have to pay excessive amounts of money to find alternative direct flights (due to a limited number of flights), or have to travel via a third country, with travel times reaching up to 18-20 hours. British Airways has already reduced flights from London to Lahore.

“If British Airways proceed with its plans to cut all direct flights, it will cause prices to rise during the peak travel seasons.

“Further, it would send the wrong message, but also impact thousands of travellers.

“As a Member of Parliament that represents a huge Pakistani diaspora community, I urge you to reconsider your decision and explore all avenues available to ensure direct flights from the UK to Pakistan are retained.”

A British Airways spokesman said: “We've taken the difficult decision to temporarily suspend our Islamabad route for commercial and operational reasons.

“We are giving customers as much notice as we can and we are in contact with those affected to apologise and offer them alternative options including rebooking or a full refund.”