Pakistan International Airlines' new service to Islamabad makes Manchester the only airport in the North with a direct connection to Pakistan
An estimated 350,000 fly from the North West to Islamabad every year.
Chris Woodroofe, Manchester Airport's managing director, said, "For a long time, many thousands of people of Pakistani origin who live in the region haven’t been able to travel directly to Pakistan from an airport in the North – but now that changes thanks to our partnership with Pakistan International Airlines.
"Launching this new route will make a huge difference for people all over the region, saving them time, money and stress. It’s a great moment for all of us here at Manchester Airport and I look forward to seeing this route become a huge success."
Flights operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays; Pakistan International Airlines has indicated the service will double to a four-weekly programme by the end of the year.
