Islamabad AIRWAYS was first established in 2023, under the brand name PKFLY. It was initially a subsidary of BRITISHJET airlines group who wanted to develop a standalone brand to serve the UK / Pakistan market.

Starting with a single Airbus A319 aircraft operated by ACMI partner MANX, PKFLY commenced operations between Leeds Bradford & Islamabad with a thrice weekly service. Flights make a fuel stop both east and westbound in Turkiye.

Initial services prooved highly sucessful and BRITISHJET proceeded to add Glasgow (Prestwick) to the network by the end of 2023, with the addtion of a further leased A319 to operate the route.

In April of 2024, ACMI operator MANX began operating 3 larger Airbus A321 aircraft for the now renamed Islamabad Airways subsidary. These higher capacity aircraft would initiate flights from London Stansted, Birmingham & Manchester. In addition, a 3 weekly East Midlands route was also inagurated with an A319.

During summer 2024, BRITISHJET group announced its intention to reduce its share in ownership of Islamabad Airways and allow Pakistan based investors to increase their holding in turn.

This move would pave the way for a majority 60% domestic holding of shares in Islamabad Airways, allowing the airline to apply for its own AOC in Pakistan. BRITISHJET group would continue to support and partner with Islamabad Airways aswell as maintain a 40% share in the operator.

By September 2024, Islambad Airways sucessfully obtained a Pakistani AOC and business license, plans to fully establish itself as an operator in the country could be realised.

Domestic recruitment commenced and an agreement was reached with MANX ACMI to transfer 4 Airbus A319 to the Pakistani register with the aircraft entering a 3 year lease agreement.

At the 2024 Farnborough International Air Show, MANX ACMI announced an order for 4 Airbus A330 neos. Following the show it was confirmed the aircraft would be leased to Islamabad Airways from 2025 to help grow capacity and launch new routes.

November 2024

On Monday 4th November 2024, Islamabad Airways will officialy commence operations under its own AOC with 4 Airbus A319 aircraft on the Pakistani register.

In the interim, no changes will be made to the route network with Birmingham, East Midlands, Glasgow, Leeds & London Stansted all continuing to operate to the current schedule.

By April 2025, Islamabad Airways plans to introduce its first A330 neo services as well as 3 new destinations, flying to Karachi, Dubai & Jeddah.