Leeds Bradford Airport is to benefit from a new direct service to the Pakistani capital city of Islamabad.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will operate the twice-weekly connection on Wednesday and Saturday, replacing an identical Shaheen Air International link which was axed in May.
Shaheen was forced to pull the service last month due to constraints on its fleet. At the time, it insisted it was negotiating with other airlines to re-instate the route, which had proven extremely popular among ethnic Pakistanis living in Yorkshire.
Commenting on the restored connection, Leeds Bradford spokesman Tony Hallwood said: “We are extremely pleased to have secured the services of Pakistan International Airlines and this important flagship service.
“A direct flight to Islamabad, Pakistan by PIA, one the leading international airlines, is a major achievement for the airport. It is excellent news the entire Yorkshire region, confirming that Leeds Bradford Airport is Yorkshire’s premier international gateway.”
