Islamabad reports highest no of disruptions, with 28 flights cancelled on routes to Dubai, Doha, Bahrain and Muscat
Escalating tensions in the Middle East triggered widespread disruption to Pakistan’s air travel on Wednesday, with at least 92 inbound and outbound flights cancelled across major airports, stranding passengers and forcing airlines to scale back operations.
The cancellations affected key international routes linking Pakistan with the Gulf and beyond, underscoring the immediate fallout of regional instability on global aviation networks.
Speaking to the Express Tribune on the condition of anonymity, an aviation official said Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport saw 18 flights cancelled 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 called off.
Islamabad International Airport reported the highest number of disruptions, with 28 flights cancelled on routes to Dubai, Doha, Bahrain and Muscat, while Peshawar Airport saw 16 flights to Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi scrapped.
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Disruptions extended to smaller airports as well. Multan recorded four cancellations, while Sialkot saw six flights to Dubai, Doha, Riyadh and Bahrain suspended. In contrast, operations at Faisalabad Airport remained unaffected, with flights continuing as scheduled.
Amid the uncertainty, Pakistan International Airlines announced operational changes to its Gulf routes, suspending flights to Fujairah for 48 hours due to security concerns. Limited operations to the United Arab Emirates will continue, with flights to Al Ain operating as scheduled.
The official said the situation was under constant review, with further adjustments likely if tensions persisted. Passengers were advised to regularly check flight schedules and remain in contact with airlines.
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 warned that even limited airspace restrictions could trigger cascading disruptions worldwide. Airlines are increasingly diverting flights to avoid sensitive zones, adding hours to 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, costlier flight paths. Industry bodies such as the International Air Transport Association and the International Civil Aviation Organisation continue to issue risk advisories, prompting airlines to recalibrate operations in real time.
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The financial impact is expected to be significant. Prolonged instability could push up airfares, reduce flight frequencies and tighten seat availability, particularly during peak travel periods such as Eid.
For passengers, the disruption has translated into uncertainty, with cancellations, delays, and last-minute changes becoming increasingly common. Travel experts advise flexibility as airlines adjust to rapidly evolving conditions.
Despite ongoing coordination between aviation authorities and carriers to maintain safety and continuity, the situation highlights the sector’s vulnerability to geopolitical shocks — particularly in regions that serve as indispensable hubs for global air traffic.
