The rising tension in the Middle East and airspace security concerns have severely affected Pakistan’s international flight operations, as a result of which a total of 814 flights have been canceled in the last seven days.
Aviation sources say that due to this unusual disruption, thousands of passengers, including Umrah pilgrims, workers working abroad and businessmen, are facing severe difficulties at all major airports of the country.
According to the data, 26 flights were canceled from Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Sharjah and Kuwait, while 18 flights from the capital Islamabad to various cities in the Middle East could not be operated.
The cancellation of 22 flights has also been confirmed from Lahore Airport, which has caused a wave of anxiety for passengers. Not only big cities, but also 14 flights from Peshawar, 8 from Faisalabad, 6 from Multan and 4 from Sialkot have been canceled.
Airport officials say that international airlines have temporarily limited their schedules due to security concerns and uncertain airspace conditions. Currently, an unusual rush of passengers is being seen at airports and people are waiting for alternative routes or new dates to reach their destinations.
Experts fear that if the situation in the region does not return to normal soon, the number of canceled flights may increase further in the coming days, which will prove to be a major financial blow not only to passengers but also to the aviation industry.
