Turkish Airlines to Add More Flights to Pakistan

Turkish Airlines will significantly increase its flights between Istanbul and Pakistan’s two key cities—Islamabad and Lahore—starting October 26–27, 2025, ramping up service to 14 weekly flights each. This marks a strategic boost for tourism, trade, business travel, and communities across both nations. Here’s why this matters—and how it can reshape Pakistan’s skies.

• Boosted Travel Options

• Travelers get more flexible schedules, better connection times, and options during holidays or emergencies.

• Economic Upside

• More capacity for passengers and cargo supports trade in textiles, agriculture, and other sectors.

• Tourism & Culture

• Easier pilgrim access, more tourism traffic, and enhanced cultural exchange.

• Strengthened Pakistan–Türkiye Ties

• Bolsters diplomatic and trade relations aligned with broader strategic goals.

• Travel Comfort

• Better flight options reduce wait times and improve travel planning.

• Cargo Potential

• Increased belly cargo space for businesses, especially exporters.

• Tourism Upside

• Easier access for cultural trips, religious visits, and student mobility.

• Diaspora Impact

• Pakistani communities in Europe and beyond gain more transit flexibility via the Istanbul hub.

Bilateral Flight Rights

• Pakistan–Türkiye air service agreement capped routes at 14 flights per city; this expansion hits that limit 

• Karachi’s Place

• Turkish currently serves Karachi with one daily flight; while this increase doesn’t include KHI, stakeholders suggest adding flights to Multan, Peshawar, and Sialkot via A321neo aircraft .

• Codeshare Strategy

• Strong partnership through Star Alliance and a reciprocal codeshare deal with Pakistan International Airlines enhances connectivity 

• Airspace Volatility

• Regional airspace closures (e.g., May 2025) pose flight disruptions 

• Infrastructure Needs

• Airports must prepare for higher frequency—more slots, ground handling, lounges, and cargo capacity.

• Fleet Planning

• Larger and reliable wide-body aircraft will be needed to sustain growth; Turkish is expanding its fleet with A350, B787, and narrow-body orders .

Turkish Airlines’ step-up in flights to Pakistan is more than a frequency bump—it’s a boost to bilateral travel, trade, and national connectivity. With added seats, cargo capacity, and improved schedules, this move delivers real benefits to passengers, businesses, and the broader tourism ecosystem. It positions Pakistan as a more accessible destination and Istanbul as a powerful transit hub. The strategic implications point toward further potential expansions, especially to Karachi and other Pakistani cities, as long as the demand and bilateral frameworks support it.