In the wake of escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Pakistan has witnessed a significant disruption in air travel to the Middle East, with a staggering total of 708 flights cancelled over the past six days. This unprecedented suspension of flights reflects the growing instability in the region and its direct impact on Pakistan’s connectivity with key Gulf destinations.
On Thursday alone, the cancellations hit a new high, with 130 flights from various Pakistani airports to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar being grounded. Karachi Airport bore the brunt with 30 flights to major hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sharjah, Kuwait, and Bahrain called off. Meanwhile, Islamabad saw 36 flights cancelled, affecting routes to similar destinations, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Lahore Airport also experienced significant disruptions, with 22 flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain suspended. Peshawar reported 14 flight cancellations to Dubai, Sharjah, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, while Multan Airport faced 14 suspensions covering routes to Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Khaleejah, Bahrain, Doha, and Kuwait. Sialkot and Faisalabad airports were not spared either, with 10 and 4 flights respectively cancelled to various Middle Eastern cities.
This wave of cancellations over nearly a week has not only affected passenger travel but has also severely disrupted trade, particularly the export of Pakistani beef and mutton to Gulf countries. The closure of airspace and maritime routes in several Arab nations, a direct consequence of the Iran-Israel conflict, has brought meat exports to a near halt. For the fifth consecutive day, shipments of these essential commodities have been delayed or stopped entirely, impacting Pakistan’s agricultural export sector and the livelihoods of many involved in this trade.
The ongoing conflict has thus created a ripple effect, extending beyond geopolitical concerns to tangible economic and social consequences for Pakistan. The suspension of flights and trade routes underscores the vulnerability of regional connectivity to political instability. As the situation remains fluid, travelers and exporters alike are bracing for further disruptions, while authorities continue to monitor developments closely in hopes of a swift resolution that would restore normalcy to air travel and commerce.
