Driving from Karachi to Islamabad can take over 20 hours. Flying takes under two. That gap is exactly why domestic flights in Pakistan have become the practical choice for covering real distance, especially if your itinerary spans both the south and the mountainous north.

Domestic flights in Pakistan: which airline for which route

Several airlines, regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan, compete on the main city routes, but coverage isn’t equal everywhere.

• PIA (Pakistan International Airlines): Still the primary carrier to the north, including Gilgit, Skardu, and Chitral. If your trip includes these routes, PIA usually has the widest schedule.
• Airblue: Strong on major city routes (Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad) and also flies to Skardu, making it a solid PIA alternative for that specific route.
• Serene Air: Known for comfort and roomier seating, also serving Skardu.
• Fly Jinnah: A low-cost option, generally the cheapest on major city routes if you’re not checking heavy baggage.
• AirSial: Based in Sialkot, useful if your route runs through that hub.
• South Air: A newer entrant in 2026, flying smaller turboprop aircraft to underserved cities like Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur, and Bahawalpur, with Skardu among its planned routes.

For Karachi-Lahore or Islamabad-Karachi, Airblue or Fly Jinnah generally win on price and punctuality. For the northern areas specifically, stick with PIA or Airblue, since private low-cost carriers have limited coverage there.

What flying to the north actually costs and looks like

Islamabad to Skardu runs roughly PKR 12,000 to 40,000 one way, depending on timing and how far ahead you book. Lahore to Skardu tends to run higher, often PKR 18,000 to 50,000 or more. Flight time from Islamabad is about an hour, sometimes a bit longer from Lahore.

Here’s the part that catches people off guard: northern routes are genuinely weather-dependent. Cancellations happen, and you may wait a day or two for the next available slot. If your travel dates are fixed, book months ahead, especially during peak summer season when demand for Gilgit-Baltistan routes spikes.

Baggage and what to expect onboard

Most airlines allow 20 to 30 kg checked luggage plus about 7 kg carry-on, though this varies by carrier and fare class. Full-service airlines like PIA and Serene Air typically include light refreshments. Low-cost carriers like Fly Jinnah keep things bare-bones to keep fares down, so factor in baggage fees when comparing prices, since a large suitcase can sometimes make a “cheaper” low-cost fare more expensive overall.

A quick note on PIA’s privatization

PIA has been going through a privatization process, with a consortium reportedly set to take over operations under a new brand. If this moves forward as planned, it could bring newer aircraft and potentially lower fares on some routes. It’s still evolving, though, so treat this as a developing situation rather than a fixed outcome, and check current PIA status closer to your travel dates.

Domestic flights in Pakistan: practical booking tips

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For city-to-city travel where flying is overkill, see our public transport guide for buses, trains, and ride-hailing options.

• Book northern routes well ahead. Gilgit, Skardu, and Chitral flights sell out fast in peak season, and prices climb accordingly.
• Build in a buffer day. Weather cancellations on mountain routes are common enough that a same-day connection is risky.
• Compare total cost, not just base fare. Baggage fees on low-cost carriers can erase the price advantage over a full-service ticket.
• Confirm refund policies before booking. These vary significantly between carriers, especially for promotional fares.

Pair your flight planning with our Pakistan tourism for foreigners guide for the full trip sequence, and if you’re flying north specifically, make sure your altitude sickness prep is sorted before you land.

Frequently asked questions

Which airline flies to Skardu and Gilgit?

PIA offers the widest schedule to Skardu, Gilgit, and Chitral. Airblue and Serene Air also fly to Skardu, giving you an alternative if PIA is sold out or delayed.

How much does a flight to Skardu cost?

Roughly PKR 12,000 to 40,000 one way from Islamabad, and somewhat more from Lahore. Prices rise closer to your travel date and during peak summer season.

Are domestic flights in Pakistan reliable?

City-to-city routes are generally reliable. Northern routes to Gilgit, Skardu, and Chitral are weather-dependent, so cancellations and delays are more common there.

What’s the cheapest way to fly domestically in Pakistan?

Fly Jinnah is generally the cheapest for major city routes. Factor in baggage fees, though, since low-cost fares can end up costing more once you add checked luggage.

How far ahead should I book a flight to northern Pakistan?

Months ahead if your dates are fixed, especially for summer travel. Northern routes have limited capacity and high seasonal demand.