Dozens of international flights have been diverted due to airspace restrictions, mirroring the 1990 Gulf Crisis
A general view of Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, where evacuees from Afghanistan will stop to continue their journey to other countries. PHOTO: FILE
With the Middle East teetering on the brink of wider conflict, Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport witnessed extraordinary activity on Saturday, with dozens of foreign airline flights diverted to the city, creating scenes reminiscent of the 1990 Gulf Crisis.
According to airline sources, a large number of foreign carriers have been rerouted to Karachi as regional airspace restrictions and security concerns force precautionary diversions. Several planes were temporarily parked during the day, while many others landed to refuel.
The situation echoes that of 1990, when, following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, dozens of airliners landed in Karachi in similar circumstances. At that time, the old airport terminal and the new Jinnah terminal were used to accommodate diverted flights.
In view of this extraordinary influx, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has issued a NOTAM highlighting the limited aircraft parking space at the airport and directing airlines and flight crews to ensure prior coordination before operating in Karachi.
A PAA spokesperson said Pakistan’s airspace remained fully operational and safe for all civil aviation activities despite regional restrictions. A total of 27 flights were handled, including diversions, return flights, technical landings and diversion operations.
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Karachi Airport alone handled 13 diversions, including technical refueling stops. Additionally, four diversions were recorded at the Lahore Flight Information Region, while two return diversions were handled at Islamabad Airport. Three flights returned to their original destination or an alternative destination, while five diverted flights transited through Karachi airspace without landing and were offered alternative routes.
The sudden increase in traffic has created operational problems due to limited parking spaces, prompting airport authorities to warn airlines of possible delays. Authorities confirmed that the situation was being closely monitored and managed.
At the same time, several airlines have announced cancellations on Gulf routes. AirSial canceled 19 flights to various sectors of the Gulf, while PIA canceled four flights from Islamabad to Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai. Saudi Airlines has suspended flights to Saudi Arabia from Peshawar.
Aviation authorities said Pakistani air traffic controllers and operational teams effectively managed the increased traffic amid the emergency. Passengers are advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates.
Sources added that several daily flights operating between Karachi and Lahore were also canceled due to the developing regional crisis.
