Air travel · Updated September 2026

Cheap Flight Ticket Prices in Pakistan | Domestic & International Air Ticket Booking Online

Five Pakistani airlines fly domestic schedules in 2026, and more than twenty foreign carriers serve the country. A domestic economy ticket starts from around Rs 14,000 one way. International fares have risen and Gulf schedules remain disrupted this year, so check the status of your route before you book.

Domestic fare from
Rs 14,000One way economy
Domestic airlines
5 flyingPIA, Airblue, AirSial, Fly Jinnah, South Air
Gulf routes from
Rs 50,000One way, plus surcharges
PIA to London
RestoredHeathrow since March 2026
Gulf schedules
ReducedCorridors and cancellations

Short answer: Domestic flights in Pakistan cost from about Rs 14,000 one way, with nonstop Karachi to Islamabad usually Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000. International fares run from about Rs 50,000 to the Gulf and Rs 190,000 or more to the UK, Europe and North America, and fuel surcharges added in 2026 sit on top. Gulf hubs are operating on reduced schedules after the Iran war, while PIA has returned to London, Manchester and Paris with direct flights.

What has changed

What is different about flying from Pakistan in 2026

Four developments since this guide was first written change which airline you pick, how you route, and how much you pay.

Gulf hubs disrupted

What happened
The US and Israeli strikes on Iran from 28 February 2026 shut Gulf airspace for weeks. Flights resumed after the spring ceasefire, but a renewed escalation in July brought fresh cancellations.
Now
Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi operate through restricted corridors on reduced schedules. Kuwait is the most restricted. European regulators advise caution in Gulf airspace until at least 30 September 2026.
For you
Check your flight on the day, allow long connections, and choose fares you can change.

Fuel and fares

What happened
Jet fuel in Pakistan rose from about Rs 189 to Rs 342 a litre in March 2026.
Now
Airlines have added fuel surcharges of roughly $20 to $100 per leg on international routes, and cut seats on long routes.
For you
Compare the total price including surcharges, not the base fare.

PIA privatised and back in Europe

What happened
An Arif Habib led consortium bought 75 percent of PIA for Rs 135 billion in December 2025.
Now
PIA flies direct to Paris, Manchester and, since 29 March 2026, London Heathrow from Islamabad and Lahore.
For you
A nonstop to the UK is an option again, and it avoids the Gulf entirely.

Domestic line up reshuffled

What happened
SereneAir has been grounded since October 2025. South Air launched ATR turboprop services in July 2026.
Now
South Air links Karachi with Islamabad, Quetta, Sukkur, Gwadar and smaller cities such as Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan. Fly Jinnah added Lahore to Quetta in May 2026.
For you
More choice on thin routes, and a new low fare option if you accept a stop.

Still in place: the India airspace closure

Pakistan and India have kept their airspace closed to each other’s airlines, with the closure extended repeatedly through 2026. PIA flights east to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and the Far East must route around India, adding flying time. Foreign airlines are not affected in the same way, so a foreign carrier or a one stop via a third country can be quicker on those routes.


Fares within Pakistan

Domestic flight ticket price by route

Indicative one way economy ranges. Booking two to three weeks out is usually the difference between the bottom and the top of each range.

Indicative one way domestic economy fares, 2026
RouteFlight timeAirlinesFare range
Karachi to Islamabad2h 00m nonstopPIA, Airblue, AirSial, Fly Jinnah; South Air via BahawalpurRs 14,000 to 38,000
Karachi to Lahore1h 45mPIA, Airblue, AirSial, Fly JinnahRs 19,000 to 35,000
Lahore to Islamabad50mPIA, limitedRs 14,000 to 24,000
Karachi to Peshawar2h 00mPIA, AirSial, Fly JinnahRs 20,000 to 36,000
Karachi to Quetta1h 30mPIA, AirSial, Fly Jinnah, South AirRs 17,000 to 32,000
Lahore to Quetta1h 20mFly Jinnah, PIARs 18,000 to 32,000
Karachi to Multan1h 25mPIA, AirSial, Fly JinnahRs 17,000 to 30,000
Karachi to Sialkot1h 50mAirSial, PIARs 19,000 to 33,000
Karachi to Faisalabad1h 40mPIA, Fly JinnahRs 18,000 to 31,000
Karachi to Sukkur1h 05mPIA, South AirRs 15,000 to 26,000
Karachi to Gwadar1h 20mPIA, South AirRs 15,000 to 28,000
Islamabad to Gilgit1h 00mPIARs 15,000 to 25,000
Islamabad to Skardu1h 10mPIA, seasonal othersRs 16,000 to 28,000

Indicative economy fares. Air fares change by the day and by the seat, so treat these as planning ranges and check a live price.

South Air: cheaper, slower, and a stop on the way

South Air flies ATR 72 turboprops, and its Karachi to Islamabad service stops at Bahawalpur, taking about four hours against two for a nonstop jet. It launched with fares from around Rs 14,200 when nonstop tickets were typically Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000. For a flexible traveller the saving is real; for a same day meeting, the nonstop still wins.

Why domestic fares move so much

Airlines price by demand rather than distance. The same Karachi to Islamabad seat can sell for Rs 20,000 three weeks out and Rs 38,000 the day before, because the cheapest fare buckets sell first. Higher jet fuel prices in 2026 have lifted the floor of every range, and Eid and summer holiday weeks sit at the top regardless of when you book.

The northern routes are a special case

Gilgit and Skardu sit in mountain valleys with approaches flown visually, so cloud cancels the flight outright. Cancellations are routine and backlogs can take days to clear. Chitral behaves the same way. Treat a northern flight as a preference rather than a plan, and keep a road option in mind.

Fares outside Pakistan

Gulf and Middle East flight ticket price from Pakistan

The Gulf still carries most international traffic out of Pakistan, but 2026 schedules are thinner and less predictable than before. Fares below are base ranges; fuel surcharges are added on top.

Indicative one way economy fares and 2026 status, Gulf and Middle East
RouteFlight timeAirlinesFare range2026 status
Karachi to Dubai2h 15mEmirates, flydubai, PIA, AirblueRs 50,000 to 110,000Reduced schedule
Lahore to Dubai3h 00mEmirates, flydubai, PIA, AirblueRs 55,000 to 120,000Reduced schedule
Islamabad to Dubai3h 00mEmirates, flydubai, PIA, AirSialRs 55,000 to 120,000Reduced schedule
Karachi to Sharjah2h 15mAir Arabia, Fly JinnahRs 50,000 to 110,000Reduced schedule
Karachi to Abu Dhabi2h 10mEtihad, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, PIARs 50,000 to 115,000Reduced schedule
Islamabad to Doha3h 45mQatar Airways, PIARs 60,000 to 135,000Corridor routing, delays
Karachi to Muscat2h 00mOman Air, SalamAir, PIARs 48,000 to 100,000Operating
Karachi to Bahrain2h 45mGulf Air, PIARs 55,000 to 120,000Largely restored
Lahore to Kuwait4h 00mKuwait Airways, Jazeera AirwaysCheck liveHeavily restricted
Karachi to Jeddah4h 30mSaudia, PIA, Airblue, flynasRs 70,000 to 150,000Operating
Lahore to Jeddah5h 00mSaudia, PIA, Airblue, flynasRs 72,000 to 155,000Operating
Lahore to Madinah5h 00mSaudia, PIA, flynasRs 75,000 to 160,000Operating
Islamabad to Riyadh4h 30mSaudia, PIA, flynasRs 68,000 to 145,000Operating
Karachi to Dammam3h 30mSaudia, PIARs 62,000 to 135,000Operating
Islamabad to Baghdad4h 50m directIraqi Airways; one stop via Muscat, Dubai or IstanbulRs 120,000 to 200,000Resumed, check day

Status reflects the position in September 2026 and can change at short notice. Always confirm your flight with the airline before travelling to the airport.

Saudi Arabia and Oman held up best

Through the 2026 disruption, Saudi and Omani routes kept running most reliably, and PIA’s Saudi network was least affected. That matters for Umrah travellers, and for anyone connecting onwards: Jeddah, Riyadh and Muscat have become practical alternatives to Dubai and Doha as transfer points.

Umrah and Hajj season

Jeddah and Madinah fares climb through Ramadan and the Hajj window and stay high for weeks either side. Seats sell out early rather than simply getting expensive, so book far earlier than for any other route.


Regional and Asian routes

Asia flight ticket price from Pakistan

Central Asia has gained direct links, Iran is off the map for now, and routes east are longer for PIA because of the India airspace closure.

Indicative one way economy fares and 2026 status, Asia
RouteFlight timeAirlinesFare range2026 status
Islamabad to TashkentAbout 2h 00mUzbekistan Airways, directRs 61,000 to 110,000About 2 a week
Lahore to TashkentAbout 2h 30mUzbekistan Airways, directRs 65,000 to 130,000Operating
Islamabad to Istanbul6h 00mTurkish Airlines, PIARs 100,000 to 190,000Operating
Islamabad to Kabul1h 15mKam Air, Ariana AfghanRs 50,000 to 95,000Check before booking
Karachi to Tehran3h 00mIran Air, Mahan AirSuspendedIranian airspace closed
Islamabad to Baku4h 00mAzerbaijan Airlines, seasonalRs 90,000 to 165,000Seasonal
Islamabad to Urumqi4h 00mChina SouthernRs 95,000 to 175,000Operating
Islamabad to Beijing6h 30mAir China, China SouthernRs 120,000 to 220,000Operating
Karachi to Bangkok5h 00m or longerPIA, or one stopRs 105,000 to 200,000PIA routes around India
Karachi to Kuala Lumpur6h 30m or longerPIA, or one stopRs 115,000 to 220,000PIA routes around India
Karachi to Colombo4h 00mSriLankan AirlinesRs 95,000 to 175,000Check before booking

Regional schedules are added and suspended frequently. Confirm the service is running before you plan around it.

Long haul

Europe and North America flight ticket price from Pakistan

The biggest change since this guide was written: direct flights to the UK and France are back, while the Gulf one stop routes that most people used are running below normal.

Indicative one way economy fares, Europe and North America
RouteFlight timeAirlinesFare range
Islamabad to London8h 30m directPIA to Heathrow, 3 a week; one stop via Istanbul or the GulfRs 190,000 to 360,000
Lahore to London9h 00m directPIA to Heathrow, weekly; one stopRs 195,000 to 370,000
Lahore to Manchester9h 00m directPIA, weekly; one stopRs 190,000 to 360,000
Islamabad to Manchester8h 45m directPIA, 4 a week; one stopRs 185,000 to 350,000
Islamabad to Paris8h 00m directPIA; one stopRs 175,000 to 330,000
Karachi to MilanOne stopTurkish, Gulf carriersRs 170,000 to 330,000
Lahore to OsloOne stopTurkish, Gulf carriersRs 185,000 to 360,000
Lahore to Toronto16h or more, one stopTurkish, Qatar, EmiratesRs 270,000 to 520,000
Karachi to New York18h or more, one stopTurkish, Qatar, Emirates, EtihadRs 290,000 to 560,000

Long haul fares have risen more than short haul in 2026 because of fuel costs and reduced Gulf capacity. Treat these ranges as a guide and check a live price.

Direct or one stop in 2026

Until recently, one stop through Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi was usually both cheaper and more frequent than anything direct from Pakistan. For the UK and Paris that has changed: PIA’s nonstops avoid the Gulf and its disruption entirely. For other European and North American cities, Istanbul with Turkish Airlines has become the most dependable connection, with the Gulf carriers still an option if you allow generous connection times.


Who flies where

Airlines flying to and from Pakistan

Five Pakistani airlines are flying scheduled services, alongside more than twenty foreign carriers.

PK · Privatised

PIA

Now majority owned by an Arif Habib led consortium. The widest network: the only airline on most northern and small domestic routes, and again flying direct to London, Manchester and Paris.

From Rs 14,000
PA

Airblue

The longest established private airline, flying an all Airbus fleet on domestic trunk routes and to Gulf and Saudi cities. Generally reliable on schedule.

From Rs 19,000
PF

AirSial

Sialkot based, flying Airbus A320s domestically and to Dubai, Muscat and Saudi Arabia. The strongest option on Sialkot sectors.

From Rs 18,000
9P · Low cost

Fly Jinnah

Joint venture with Air Arabia, based in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore. The lowest lead-in fares on its routes, with baggage and seats charged separately. Added Lahore to Quetta in May 2026.

From Rs 16,000
New in 2026

South Air

Regional airline flying ATR 72 turboprops since July 2026, linking Karachi with Islamabad, Quetta, Sukkur, Gwadar and smaller cities, often with a stop.

From Rs 14,200
Not flying

SereneAir

Grounded since October 2025 with no serviceable aircraft. The airline says it hopes to resume by the end of 2026, but reports in August suggested it was winding down. Do not book until flights reappear.

No current flights

Air Karachi

Air Karachi announced domestic launch plans for 2026 with Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta and Sukkur. Check that it is flying before you look for its fares.

International airlines serving Pakistan

Foreign airlines, the Pakistani cities they serve and their 2026 status
AirlineHubServes2026 status
EmiratesDubaiKarachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Sialkot, MultanReduced schedule
flydubaiDubaiKarachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Multan, Faisalabad, SialkotReduced schedule
Etihad AirwaysAbu DhabiKarachi, Lahore, Islamabad, PeshawarReduced schedule
Air ArabiaSharjahKarachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, QuettaReduced schedule
Qatar AirwaysDohaKarachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Multan, SialkotCorridor routing, delays
SaudiaJeddah, RiyadhKarachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Multan, SialkotOperating
flynasRiyadh, JeddahKarachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, SialkotOperating
Oman AirMuscatKarachi, Lahore, Islamabad, SialkotOperating
SalamAirMuscatKarachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, SialkotOperating
Gulf AirBahrainKarachi, Lahore, IslamabadLargely restored
Kuwait AirwaysKuwait CityKarachi, Lahore, Islamabad, SialkotHeavily restricted
Jazeera AirwaysKuwait CityKarachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, SialkotHeavily restricted
Turkish AirlinesIstanbulKarachi, Lahore, IslamabadOperating
Iran AirTehranKarachi, Lahore, QuettaSuspended
Mahan AirTehranKarachi, LahoreSuspended
Iraqi AirwaysBaghdadKarachi, Lahore, IslamabadCheck before booking
Kam Air, Ariana AfghanKabulIslamabad, PeshawarCheck before booking
China SouthernUrumqi, GuangzhouIslamabad, LahoreOperating
Air ChinaBeijingIslamabadOperating
Uzbekistan AirwaysTashkentIslamabad, LahoreOperating
Azerbaijan AirlinesBakuIslamabad, seasonalSeasonal
SriLankan AirlinesColomboKarachi, LahoreCheck before booking

Status as of September 2026. Route maps and schedules change at short notice this year; confirm your sector with the airline.

Timing the purchase

When to book a flight for the cheapest fare

Fares climb toward departure rather than falling. In 2026, the flexibility of the ticket matters almost as much as the price.

Three weeks out

Around Rs 20,000

Cheapest domestic buckets still open.

One week out

Around Rs 28,000

Mid buckets only.

Day before

Around Rs 38,000

Last seats at the top fare.

International

Six to ten weeks out

The sensible window, with a changeable fare.

Three habits worth more than any booking trick

Compare the total, including baggage and 2026 fuel surcharges, rather than the lead fare. On international routes, price a return before two one ways. And while Gulf schedules remain unsettled, pay a little more for a fare you can change: several airlines have offered fee free changes for disrupted flights, but only on the flights they cancel.


What is included

Baggage allowance by airline

Full service carriers include checked baggage. Low cost carriers do not, which is what makes their headline prices look lower.

Typical economy baggage allowance
AirlineCheckedCabinIncluded in fare
PIA20 kg domestic7 kgYes
Airblue20 kg domestic7 kgYes
AirSial20 kg domestic7 kgYes
South AirCheck at bookingCheck at bookingFare dependent
Fly JinnahPaid add-on10 kgCabin only
Air ArabiaPaid add-on10 kgCabin only
flydubaiVaries by fare7 kgFare dependent
Gulf full service carriers30 kg or more7 kgYes

Typical economy figures that differ by fare type and route. Emirates and several other airlines no longer allow power banks to be used or charged on board; carry them in cabin baggage only.

Where you fly from

Main airports in Pakistan

The big three handle most traffic; South Air has brought scheduled flights back to several smaller airports.

Karachi (KHI)

Airport
Jinnah International, the largest hub.
Note
Base for PIA, Fly Jinnah and South Air.

Lahore (LHE)

Airport
Allama Iqbal International.
Note
Direct PIA flights to Heathrow and Manchester.

Islamabad (ISB)

Airport
Islamabad International, the main long haul gateway.
Note
Direct to London, Manchester, Paris and Tashkent.

Peshawar (PEW)

Airport
Bacha Khan International.
Note
Heavy Gulf schedule, reduced in 2026.

Sialkot (SKT)

Airport
Privately built; AirSial’s home base.
Note
Large Gulf schedule for its size.

Multan (MUX)

Airport
Multan International.
Note
Domestic, Gulf and Saudi flights.

Quetta (UET)

Airport
Quetta International.
Note
Links to Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore; Iran flights suspended.

Gwadar (GWD)

Airport
New Gwadar International.
Note
PIA and South Air from Karachi.

Gilgit and Skardu (GIL, KDU)

Airport
Valley airports flown visually.
Note
Cloud cancels flights outright.

Sukkur, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Faisalabad, Chitral, Turbat, Dera Ghazi Khan and other smaller airports also receive scheduled flights, mostly a few times a week. Confirm the service is running before planning around it.


Common questions

Flight ticket price FAQs

Which airlines fly domestic routes in Pakistan in 2026?

Five: PIA, Airblue, AirSial, Fly Jinnah and the new regional carrier South Air, which started scheduled flights in July 2026. SereneAir has not flown since October 2025, and Air Karachi has announced plans but check that it is operating before looking for its flights.

Are flights to Dubai, Doha and the Gulf running normally?

They are running, but not normally. Since the Iran war began in February 2026, Gulf hubs have operated through restricted flight corridors on reduced schedules, and the July escalation brought fresh cancellations. Kuwait remains the most restricted. Check your flight on the day and prefer fares you can change.

Why are air fares higher in 2026?

Jet fuel in Pakistan jumped from about Rs 189 to Rs 342 a litre in March 2026, and airlines added fuel surcharges of roughly $20 to $100 per leg on international flights. Reduced Gulf capacity has also pushed up demand on the flights that remain.

Is PIA flying to the UK and Europe again?

Yes. PIA resumed Islamabad to Paris in January 2025, Manchester in October 2025 and London Heathrow on 29 March 2026, with Lahore to Heathrow from 30 March. Manchester now has four weekly flights from Islamabad and one from Lahore.

Who owns PIA now?

A consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation bought a 75 percent stake for Rs 135 billion in December 2025, and the airline has since passed into private management.

What is the cheapest domestic flight in Pakistan?

South Air has advertised Karachi to Islamabad from about Rs 14,200, though its flight stops in Bahawalpur and takes over four hours. On nonstop jets, short sectors such as Lahore to Islamabad start around Rs 14,000, and Fly Jinnah usually has the lowest lead-in fare on its routes. Add baggage before comparing.

Can I fly direct from Pakistan to Europe or North America?

To Europe, yes again: PIA flies direct to London, Manchester and Paris. For North America and most other European cities, travellers fly one stop. With Gulf hubs disrupted, Istanbul and the Saudi hubs have become more important alternatives.

How far in advance should I book?

Two to three weeks for domestic and six to ten weeks for international. In 2026, flexibility matters as much as timing: choose a fare you can change without a large penalty.

Why do Gilgit and Skardu flights get cancelled so often?

Both airports sit in mountain valleys and the approaches are flown visually, so the flight cannot operate through cloud. Cancellations are routine, and the backlog after a bad spell can take several days to clear. Chitral behaves the same way.

How much baggage is included on a flight?

Typically 20 kg checked and 7 kg cabin in domestic economy on PIA, Airblue and AirSial. Fly Jinnah and Air Arabia charge for checked baggage separately. Gulf full service carriers often allow 30 kg or more in economy.