In response to ongoing disruptions in the global jet fuel supply chain, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has issued a directive requiring all airlines operating from Pakistani airports to carry only the minimum legally required amount of fuel for their flights. This measure comes as a direct consequence of the strained availability of jet fuel A-1, which has been significantly impacted by the escalating conflict in the Middle East region.
The PAA released a new Notice to Airmen (Notam) on Saturday, highlighting the challenges faced in securing adequate jet fuel supplies amid the current geopolitical instability. The notice explicitly mentions that the prevailing tensions in the Middle East have led to interruptions in the supply of jet fuel A-1, a critical resource for commercial aviation. To mitigate potential operational risks, the authority has urged airlines to optimize their fuel loading strategies and to procure as much fuel as possible from international airports outside Pakistan.
This advisory is part of a broader precautionary framework designed to ensure uninterrupted flight operations despite the ongoing supply constraints. The directive will remain in effect until March 31, allowing airlines to adjust their fuel management practices accordingly. It is important to note that this development follows a recent and substantial increase in jet fuel prices within Pakistan, which has further complicated the aviation sector’s operational landscape.
Just days prior to the issuance of this Notam, Pakistan witnessed one of the steepest hikes in jet fuel costs in recent years, with prices soaring by Rs154 per litre. This sharp rise pushed the price from Rs188.93 to an unprecedented Rs342.37 per litre, representing an approximate 82% increase. The surge in fuel prices was triggered by heightened tensions in the region, particularly following a US-Israeli military action against Iran and Iran’s subsequent declaration to close the Strait of Hormuz—a vital maritime passage for global oil shipments.
In addition to fuel-related advisories, the PAA has also announced temporary operational restrictions affecting commercial flights at Islamabad and Lahore airports on March 16. the latest Notam, six sectors within the Lahore Flight Information Region will be closed for the day, impacting flight routes and schedules. Furthermore, Islamabad International Airport will experience a temporary suspension of all commercial takeoffs and landings between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on the same date.
The aviation authority has instructed airline captains to carry extra fuel reserves during this period, anticipating that flights already airborne during the closure window may be required to enter holding patterns before they can safely land at Islamabad airport. These measures underscore the challenges faced by Pakistan’s aviation sector amid a complex mix of geopolitical tensions and domestic economic pressures, highlighting the need for careful coordination and contingency planning to maintain safe and efficient air travel.
