By Air, Islamabad

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Benazir Bhutto Airport in Islamabad shares its runway with the Pakistan Air Force's Chaklala Air Base. This is a pretty big base that has a variety of aircraft including C-130s, IL-78s, Phenom 100s, A-310s, Gulf Stream IV and more.

When you land at BBIA you can often see some of the air force aircraft across the tarmac from the civilian terminal.

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Etihad is one of about 11 international airlines that uses Benazir Bhutto International Airport. The only Ethihad route from Islamabad flies directly to Abu Dhabi, UAE, with about one trip each direction per day. Other Etihad destinations in Pakistan are Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar.

Etihad, which translates into union or united, is the fastest growing airline in the history of aviation. It started operations in 2003 as the official airline of the UAE, and it made an US $8 billion aircraft purchase less than a year later. In 2008 Etihad made the largest single aircraft purchase in aviation history when it bought 2005 aircraft.

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Benazir Bhutto International Airport, formerly called the Islamabad International Airport, is Pakistan's third largest airport. It is a shared military-civilian airport, called Pakistan Air Force Base Chaklala. The airport is pretty rustic, with no bridges to the aircraft and able to handle only 11 large passenger jets at a time. The airport is served by just 15 airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways, Pakistan International Airlines, and a few others serving the Middle East, China, Thailand, and Central Asia.

Like similar airports in the nearby Middle East, the airport is a local hangout. Show up at 3am, 5am, whenever, there are hundreds of young men just hanging out, doing who knows what. Maybe some drive taxis; perhaps a few are offering guest rooms; others, who knows?

I recommend you use the CIP Lounge or the Rawal Lounge. The cost for either is an expensive 850 Rupees (USD 10), but both are very comfortable places to await your aircraft. The CIP lounge is open to any guests who are willing to pay (which means it is exclusively used by white Westerners), and it has free snacks and drinks. The Rawal Lounge is more exclusive, only for diplomats and other officials, but the food is not free. The Rawal Lounge does have a private ride to the airport, versus the CIP lounge, from which you must board through the regular terminal with the other passengers.

If you are travelling on business to Islamabad and depending on what passport you hold you maybe able to get your business visa when you arrive. As a UK passport holder I was able to use this facility, although I was a bit worried about how long it would take. In the end the whole process was hassle free and quite quick. You do need to provide two passport style photos (with white background) a letter of invitation from a Pakistan based company and the visa fee in cash - 90USD. NOTE that US Dollars are the best option. The visa is vaild for up to 30 days.

When you enter the customs and immigration hall you will see the desk for business visa.

Pakistan International Airlines serves many destination around the world. It has impressive network on domesic flights all over country as well. Its a three star airline, not so impressive, but still not a bad deal if you get cheaper ticket. PIA is trying to improve services and replacing fleet focusing on customer satisfaction. The airline offer three classes Business class, Economy plus and Economy class.

Eight Boeing 777 would be included in PIA fleet by 2008. Three of these are already operating now offering audio n video programs, SMS, E-mail, Telephone n fax facility. Remaing fleet consists of Boeing 747 , Boeing 737, Airbus 310, Fokker 27 and Twin Otters. Fokkers are to be replaced very soon with some comfortable aircrafts. Online ticketing facility is available for domestic routes now, it would also be started for international sector soon. Special discounts are offered to students, senior citizens and families traveling together.

PIA has recently started 90 minute "Air Safari" flight to and along the Karakorams. This is some thing you should not miss. Northern areas of Skardu, Gilgit, Chitral and Swat are also served by PIA but all these flights are subject to clear weather. Flights to Muzafarabad and Rawalakot in Kashmir were also started but after October 8 earthquake they have been stopped now for some time because both airports have been badly damaged.

Many international airlines operate regular flights to and from Islamabad. With passage of time many airlines are adding Islamabad in their network. At the moment you can fly to Islamabad with following airlines:

(1) Pakistan International Airlines
(2) Aero Asia International
(3) China Southern Airlines
(4) Saudi Arabian Airlines
(5) Ariana Afghan Airlines
(6) Emirates Airline
(7) Etihad Airways
(8) British Airways
(9) Qatar Airways
(10) Kuwait Airways
(11) Thai Airways
(12) Gulf Air
(13) Air Blue

Air Blue, Aero Asia and Shaheen Air are low fare airlines operating in the country. Air Blue is the youngest one with the best services ( even better then PIA ). Air Blue operates new Air Bus 320 fleet and flies to Dubai, Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Quetta and Peshawar in two classes. Delicious five star meals are offered on all flights. Soon its going to start flights for UK on brand new Air Bus 330 air crafts. Only online ticketing is possible and great discounts available if booked earlier. Website : http://www.airblue.com

Aero Asia operating old Boeing 737 fleet offers two classes and flies to Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Multan and Peshawar. It also flies to Qatar, Oman and U.A.E ( Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain). Both services and meals are poor. Online ticketing is offered and discouts offered on many flights if booked earlier. Website: http://www.aeroasia.com

Shaheen Air is worst of all with very old Boeing 737 fleet, poor service and food. Flights are always delayed and often cancelled. Its the only low fare airline not operating on Islamabad - Karachi sector. Website: http://www.shaheenair.com

Two new airlines Pearl Air and Safe Air are expected to start their domestic operations soon.

Many international airlines operate regular flights to and from Islamabad international airport and few of them are:

(1) Pakistan International Airlines
(2) Aero Asia International
(3) China Southern Airlines
(4) Saudi Arabian Airlines
(5) Ariana Afghan Airlines
(6) Emirates Airline
(7) Etihad Airways
(8) British Airways
(9) Qatar Airways
(10) Kuwait Airways
(1!) Thai Airways
(12) Gulf Air
(13) Air Blue