KARACHI: Virgin Atlantic said on Monday it was suspending its services between London Heathrow and the Pakistani cities of Lahore and Islamabad as the airline reviewed and made changes in its global network.
Virgin Atlantic launched flights from London Heathrow to Islamabad and Lahore, and Manchester to Islamabad, at the height of the coronavirus pandemic in December 2020.
But in a statement released on Monday, the airline said it was reviewing its network and ensuring resources were utilized in the most optimal way to achieve operational resilience.
“Following this review, it is with regret that we’ve taken the difficult decision to suspend our services between London Heathrow and Pakistan,” the airline said on its website.
“Since commencing operations in December 2020, we have been proud to offer choice for customers traveling between London and Manchester in the UK, and Islamabad and Lahore in Pakistan. During that time, we have also provided important cargo capacity, as well as delivering vital medical supplies.”
Virgin said this was not a decision the airline was “taken lightly,” adding that it would continue to operate services between London and Lahore until May 1 and between London and Islamabad until July 9.
“Our teams will communicate with any affected customers due to travel after these dates to share their options which include rebooking (if applicable) or a full refund,” Virgin said. “Customers who have booked with a third-party travel agent should contact them to discuss their options.”
