LAHORE:
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, PIA on Wednesday announced operational changes to its Gulf routes, suspending flights to Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, for 48 hours.
According to a statement issued by the airline’s spokesperson, PIA will limit its services to the UAE to Al Ain, an inland oasis city located on the eastern border with Oman.
Airline officials said the situation was under constant review and further adjustments would be likely if tensions persist. Passengers are advised to check flight schedules regularly and stay in touch with airlines.
The Gulf conflict continued to widely disrupt air travel in Pakistan on Wednesday, with at least 92 incoming and outgoing flights canceled at major airports, stranding passengers and forcing airlines to scale back operations.
The cancellations affected major international routes linking Pakistan to the Gulf and beyond, underscoring the immediate consequences of regional instability on global air networks.
According to aviation officials, Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport saw 18 flights canceled to destinations including Kuwait, Doha and Bahrain. At Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, at least 20 flights to Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iran and other regional hubs were canceled.
Islamabad International Airport reported the highest number of disruptions, with 28 flights canceled on routes to Dubai, Doha, Bahrain and Muscat, while Peshawar Airport saw 16 flights to Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi cancelled.
The disruptions also extended to smaller airports. Multan recorded four cancellations, while Sialkot saw six flights to Dubai, Doha, Riyadh and Bahrain suspended. On the other hand, operations at Faisalabad Airport are not affected, with flights continuing as planned.
The disruption in Pakistan reflects a broader shock to global aviation, as heightened tensions in the Middle East – a critical transit corridor linking Europe, Asia and Africa – force airlines to reassess route safety and operational viability.
Aviation analysts warn that even limited airspace restrictions can trigger cascading disruptions around the world. Airlines are increasingly diverting flights to avoid sensitive areas, increasing travel times, increasing fuel consumption and complicating crew and aircraft scheduling.
Major carriers have already adjusted operations, with some suspending routes and others relying on longer, more expensive flight paths. Industry bodies such as the International Air Transport Association and the International Civil Aviation Organization continue to issue risk advisories, prompting airlines to recalibrate their operations in real time.
