Rising tensions in the Middle East caused major disruption to air travel in Pakistan on Wednesday, with at least 92 flights cancelled at different airports. The cancellations left many passengers stranded and forced airlines to reduce their operations.
Most of the affected flights were on international routes connecting Pakistan with Gulf countries and nearby regions. This shows how quickly regional conflicts can impact global air travel.
An aviation official said that Allama Iqbal International Airport had 18 cancelled flights to cities like Kuwait, Doha, and Bahrain. At Jinnah International Airport, around 20 flights to Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iran, and other destinations were also cancelled.
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The highest number of cancellations was reported at Islamabad International Airport, where 28 flights to Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, and Muscat were affected. Meanwhile, Peshawar Airport saw 16 flights cancelled to Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.
Smaller airports were also impacted. Multan had four cancellations, and Sialkot recorded six flights cancelled to Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, and Bahrain. However, Faisalabad Airport continued its operations without any disruption.
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During this situation, Pakistan International Airlines announced changes to its Gulf flights. The airline temporarily stopped flights to Fujairah for 48 hours due to safety concerns but continued limited operations to the United Arab Emirates, including flights to Al Ain.
Officials said the situation is being closely monitored, and more changes may happen if tensions continue. Passengers are advised to stay updated with their airlines and regularly check flight schedules.
The disruption in Pakistan is part of a wider impact on global aviation. The Middle East is an important route connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, and any instability in the region affects airlines worldwide.
Experts warn that even small airspace restrictions can cause bigger problems, including longer flight routes, higher fuel costs, and scheduling issues. Many airlines are already changing routes or suspending flights to avoid risky areas.
Organizations like the International Air Transport Association and the International Civil Aviation Organization are issuing safety advisories, leading airlines to adjust their operations quickly.
The financial impact could be serious if the situation continues. Airfares may increase, flights may become less frequent, and seats could be harder to find, especially during busy travel times like Eid.
For passengers, this means more uncertainty, including delays, cancellations, and sudden changes in travel plans. Experts suggest staying flexible while airlines deal with the changing situation.
Overall, the disruption shows how sensitive the aviation sector is to global tensions, especially in regions that are key routes for international travel.