Norse Atlantic ASA has partnered with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners serving UK-Pakistan routes, according to the Norse release. The ACMI agreement is expected to start operations in November 2026.
Under ACMI, Norse supplies the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance, and the planes fly for PIA. Neither airline has said which routes, days or flight numbers the Dreamliners will fly.
What It Means for Travelers
- Capacity: PIA expands its long-haul network without acquiring new aircraft. Its CEO, Amir Hayat, cited strong demand for direct travel between the two countries, as Business Recorder reported.
- Aircraft: The two 787-9s are the first Dreamliners adopted by the Pakistani market, Hayat said.
PIA’s UK Flights Today
The Dreamliners will add to a network PIA already flies:
- Heathrow: PIA has flown Islamabad and Lahore to London Heathrow since 29 and 30 March 2026, using Boeing 777-200ERs. Wego covered the return of these flights.
- From 27 October: seven weekly Heathrow flights, five from Islamabad and two from Lahore, a PIA spokesperson said.
- Manchester: four weekly flights from Islamabad and one from Lahore to Manchester, as of early July 2026.
How to Book Now
- Existing flights: Book PIA’s London-Pakistan flights on PIA’s website or Wego. November departures were already bookable on 14 October.
- Dreamliner flights: The airlines have not published a timetable for them. Check the aircraft type shown at booking and on your confirmation.
Image credit: Norse Atlantic Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, photo by Anna Zvereva via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which routes will the Dreamliners fly?
Neither airline has said. Norse says only “multiple destinations between UK and Pakistan.” For PIA’s current London flights, see Wego’s day-by-day schedule.
Why does Norse have Dreamliners to lease?
Norse says it is redeploying capacity from a previous ACMI operation. Arab News reported that IndiGo said in July it would end its wet-lease arrangement with Norse.
Which airline will operate my flight?
Norse provides the aircraft and crew under the deal. Neither airline has said how the flights will be numbered or sold, so check the operating airline on your ticket, as UK government guidance advises.
Will my existing PIA booking change aircraft?
The release does not say which flights the Dreamliners will operate. If you travel from November, ask PIA before you change anything.
Sources
- Norse Atlantic ASA, Norse and PIA sign partnership for two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners (9 October 2026)
- Business Recorder, PIA and Norse Atlantic sign partnership for two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners (9 October 2026)
- Arab News, Norse Atlantic lands lease deal with Pakistan’s PIA (9 October 2026)
- ARY News, PIA to expand London flight operation from October 27 (2 September 2026)
- AeroRoutes, PIA Increases London Heathrow Service in NW26 (11 August 2026)
- Arab News, Pakistan’s PIA launches direct flights between Lahore and Manchester (2 July 2026)
- GOV.UK, The UK Air Safety List
Disclaimer: We’ve worked hard to make sure the information in this article is as accurate and up to date as possible at the time of publishing. Travel details such as prices, schedules, visa rules, and entry requirements can change at short notice, so it remains your responsibility to verify the current details with official sources before you book or travel. Wego accepts no liability for any loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this content.
