Log in
Islamabad, July 8, 2025 — In a major move aimed at enhancing connectivity between Turkey and Pakistan, Turkish Airlines has officially announced the expansion of its flight operations to Pakistan, effective from October 27, 2025. The airline plans to increase weekly flights to both Islamabad and Lahore, further strengthening its presence in one of South Asia’s most strategically located air travel markets.
This strategic expansion will see the frequency of Turkish airline flights between Istanbul and Lahore rise from 11 to 14 per week, and flights between Istanbul and Islamabad also increase from 10 to 14 per week. These added flights will not only provide greater flexibility and travel options for passengers but also offer increased capacity to meet the growing demand for travel between the two countries.
The decision to increase flights follows growing demand from both leisure and business travelers in Pakistan and Europe. Turkey remains a favored destination among Pakistani tourists, while Istanbul also serves as a significant hub connecting Pakistan with destinations across Europe, the Americas, and beyond.
The added flights will play a critical role in facilitating smoother transit for travelers flying with Turkish Airlines. With Istanbul’s modern international airport acting as a global transit hub, passengers flying from Pakistan can seamlessly connect to more than 120 countries around the world.
Moreover, the increase in flights supports Turkish Airlines’ broader vision of deepening ties with South Asian markets. Pakistan, with its population of over 240 million and growing travel appetite, represents a lucrative aviation segment for global carriers.
An important development for the Pakistani diaspora in Europe, especially in Scandinavia, is the likely improvement in scheduling and availability of Turkish airline flights from Oslo to Lahore, Oslo to Islamabad, and Oslo to Karachi. These routes have become increasingly popular among overseas Pakistanis living in Norway, offering a convenient stopover in Istanbul before continuing to their hometowns in Pakistan.
The increase in flights to Lahore and Islamabad may also lead to improved connection times and better seat availability for Turkish airline flights from Oslo to Pakistan, a welcome relief for many travelers who face seasonal booking bottlenecks, particularly during summer and winter holidays.
While Turkish Airlines has not yet announced increased direct flights to Karachi, travelers from Oslo and other European cities can still benefit from seamless one-stop connections via Istanbul. It is widely anticipated that with rising demand, Karachi may soon see expanded operations as well.
To support the added frequency, Turkish Airlines will operate Airbus A300 aircraft on its Pakistan routes. These wide-body planes offer comfortable seating configurations, generous luggage allowances, and a full-service onboard experience that includes Turkish cuisine, in-flight entertainment, and multilingual cabin crew.
By using larger aircraft and increasing the number of flights, Turkish Airlines is clearly committing significant resources to its Pakistan operations. The airline already enjoys a strong brand presence in Pakistan, and these enhancements are expected to further cement its position as one of the leading foreign carriers in the region.
The announcement of expanded services comes on the heels of a recent incident involving a Turkish Airlines flight that had to make an emergency landing at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport on July 7, 2025. The aircraft, en route to Istanbul, was forced to turn back shortly after takeoff due to a mechanical issue.
According to sources at the airport, the pilot immediately contacted air traffic control after identifying a technical fault. Swift action from both the cockpit crew and ground staff ensured that the plane landed safely. After touchdown, the aircraft was moved to a secure parking area for a comprehensive inspection by Turkish technical experts.
Though the emergency raised temporary concerns, the airline’s rapid response and adherence to international safety protocols earned praise from aviation authorities and passengers alike. The incident underscores Turkish Airlines’ emphasis on safety and operational excellence—factors that contribute to its global reputation.
The timing of Turkish Airlines' expansion is notable. Pakistan’s aviation sector is undergoing rapid transformation, with several new airlines preparing to launch operations and established carriers recalibrating their routes and services. In this competitive environment, Turkish Airlines is making a proactive move to secure a larger share of Pakistan’s outbound and inbound traffic.
Additionally, with the recovery of the global aviation industry post-COVID and increasing demand for international travel, this expansion is well-aligned with market trends. According to travel analysts, Pakistani passengers now prefer carriers that offer reliable schedules, modern aircraft, and wide-reaching international networks—criteria that Turkish Airlines meets confidently.
The additional flights are also expected to benefit tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Turkey. Travel agencies in both countries anticipate increased bookings and travel inquiries, especially among those exploring Turkish cities like Antalya, Cappadocia, and Izmir, or visiting Pakistan for tourism, investment, or business ventures.
Students, professionals, and families visiting relatives abroad will particularly benefit from the increased flight frequency. With easier travel options, improved connectivity, and flexible booking schedules, flying between the two nations will be more convenient than ever before.
Pakistani travelers have long expressed appreciation for Turkish Airlines' hospitality, efficient transit through Istanbul, and accessible fares. The new flight additions are already generating buzz among frequent flyers and travel operators.
Ali Raza, a frequent traveler between Oslo and Islamabad, shared his excitement:
“It’s often hard to get tickets during the busy season, especially from Europe to Pakistan. More Turkish airline flights from Oslo to Islamabad will make travel planning easier and reduce layover times. Istanbul is a perfect transit point for us.”
Travel consultants in Pakistan also highlight that Turkish Airlines offers an edge over many other carriers due to its extensive route network and top-tier service standards.
Turkish Airlines' decision to add more flights to and from Pakistan is a timely, strategic expansion that aligns with the growing travel needs of both countries. With increased weekly flights to Lahore and Islamabad, and improved travel connections from Oslo to Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, the airline is reinforcing its role as a vital link between Pakistan and the world.
As the airline prepares to implement these changes by October 27, 2025, travelers can look forward to better options, greater comfort, and more flexibility when planning their international journeys. In a world where connectivity is increasingly crucial, Turkish Airlines continues to lead the way—safely and reliably.
