Pakistan’s aviation sector faced significant disruptions on Saturday as over 120 flights destined for various Middle Eastern countries were cancelled across multiple international airports. This wave of cancellations has contributed to a staggering total of more than 900 flights being called off in the past eight days, highlighting ongoing challenges in air travel between Pakistan and the Gulf region.
Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport bore the brunt of the cancellations, with 38 flights to key destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sharjah, Kuwait, and Bahrain being grounded. This major hub, which typically handles a high volume of international traffic, experienced unprecedented operational setbacks that affected thousands of passengers.
Meanwhile, Islamabad International Airport also saw a considerable number of cancellations, with 30 flights to similar Middle Eastern cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Sharjah being scrapped. Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport was not spared either, as 20 flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain were called off, further compounding the travel difficulties faced by passengers in the country’s eastern region.
Other regional airports also reported significant disruptions. Peshawar Airport cancelled 10 flights bound for Dubai, Sharjah, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, while Multan Airport saw 10 flights to destinations such as Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Bahrain, Doha, and Kuwait being cancelled. Sialkot Airport halted 10 flights operating between Dubai and Sialkot, and Faisalabad Airport cancelled four flights heading to Dubai, Sharjah, and Jeddah. These cancellations across multiple airports underscore the widespread nature of the disruption affecting Pakistan’s connectivity with the Middle East.
The airlines impacted by these cancellations include a mix of prominent international and domestic carriers. Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Airblue, Flydubai, Qatar Airways, and Fly Jinnah were among those forced to suspend their scheduled flights. This broad spectrum of affected airlines reflects the scale of the operational challenges currently facing the sector.
It is worth noting that the ongoing cancellations have caused considerable inconvenience to travelers, many of whom rely on these routes for business, family visits, and religious pilgrimages. The reasons behind these disruptions have not been officially detailed, but regional tensions and logistical complications are believed to be contributing factors. Aviation authorities and airline officials continue to monitor the situation closely, aiming to restore normal flight operations as soon as possible.
As the situation develops, passengers are advised to stay in close contact with their airlines for updates and to explore alternative travel arrangements where feasible. The recent surge in cancellations serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of international air travel amid geopolitical and operational uncertainties in the region.
