Shaheen Air will launch European flights next month, with the start of a new service between Manchester Airport and Islamabad in Pakistan.

The Pakistani airline will offer three services a week to Benazir Bhutto International Airport from 15 March 2016 with A330-200 aircraft.

The services will operate inbound on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. With departing flights on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from Manchester Terminal Two at 22:00 and arriving at 18:30 on an Airbus A330.  The aircraft will have 326 seats, with return fares starting from £540.

Raza Channa, UK Country Manager from Shaheen Air said: “We are proud to announce the return of Shaheen Air to the UK by launching direct flights between Manchester and Islamabad.  We are pleased to offer a fantastic service at the lowest fare and maximum baggage allowance of two piece 60kgs.”

Stephen Turner, Commercial Director for Manchester Airport, said: “I’m delighted that Manchester Airport has been chosen by Shaheen Air as they resume flights into the UK.  Islamabad continues to be a popular destination with the 22 million people across our catchment area and this new service will provide them with additional choice for reaching the city, and also connecting around Pakistan, with Shaheen’s extensive network.”

Shaheen Air is the biggest private airline of Pakistan with a fleet of 19 aircraft comprising of A330-300, A320 and B-737-400 planes, with the planned induction of four A330-200 and three A320, the fleet size will increase to 26. Currently Shaheen Air serves 13 international and 7 domestic destinations, and has plans to operate flights to Copenhagen, Oslo, Milan, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok in near future.

Manchester Airport is the UK’s third largest with over 210 destinations served by 70 plus airlines. It has in excess of 23m annual passengers.