If you’re arriving by air, you won’t have to ponder too long which airport to fly into. Peshawar has just one – Peshawar Intl. Airport (PEW).

PEW is just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of downtown Peshawar. It’s located 3 kilometers from the city center.

Sitting 3 kilometers from the downtown area, Bacha Khan International Airport is the gateway to Peshawar.

Peshawar is serviced by 8 airlines from 11 worldwide airports.

In general, travelers opt to fly with Air Arabia, Pakistan International Airlines and Serene Air when going to Peshawar. The biggest proportion of these flights originate in Zighy Bay, with Air Arabia flying this route the most.

With roughly 77 direct flights operating each week, you’ll be arriving in Peshawar before you have time to say, “Are we there yet?”

The most popular flights to Peshawar depart from Karachi, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh airports.

If it’s Dubai you’re leaving behind, you’ll be midair for around 3 hours and 3 minutes before you arrive in Peshawar. Airport to airport from Abu Dhabi takes about 3 hours and 9 minutes and from Jeddah, it’s 5 hours and 1 minute.

If you’d like to save some cash on your Peshawar vacation, then listen up! As any experienced jet-setter will tell you, don’t book at the very last minute. Airfares are generally more expensive close to the departure date. Another easy way to get an unbeatable deal is to shop around. If your destination has more than one airport, research the cost of flying into a less busy terminal. Lastly, another simple way to save a few dollars is be ready to book fast. If you spot a fantastic deal, don’t hesitate — snap it up while you can.

If you’re poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But don’t hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a pain-free start to your vacation in Peshawar.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It’s simple — first, pack your passport, official ID, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you’ll want some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy book and a tablet filled with your favorite movies are some great options. If you intend to catch up on some sleep, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you touchdown feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won’t be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The main aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to pack a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin. Always go with roomy, flat shoes as your feet may swell a little during the flight. Leave the stilettos and heavy boots in your checked baggage.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. The great news is there are numerous ways to reduce the risk of developing it. Drink plenty of water, walk around the cabin as much as possible and wear compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to security. That way, you’ll be boarding that plane to Peshawar before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you’re allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked suitcase. They won’t be allowed on board.