Islamabad reports the highest number of disruptions, with 28 flights canceled on routes to Dubai, Doha, Bahrain and Muscat.
Escalating tensions in the Middle East caused widespread disruption to Pakistani air travel on Wednesday, with at least 92 inbound and outbound flights canceled at major airports, stranding passengers and forcing airlines to reduce operations.
The cancellations affected key international routes linking Pakistan to the Gulf and beyond, underscoring the immediate consequences of regional instability on global aviation networks.
Talking to him Express PAkGazette On condition of anonymity, an aviation official said 18 flights to destinations including Kuwait, Doha and Bahrain were canceled at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. At Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, at least 20 flights to Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iran and other regional hubs were cancelled.
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.
Read more: Airlines cancel more flights as Middle East conflict escalates
The disruption also spread to smaller airports. Multan recorded four cancellations, while Sialkot saw six flights to Dubai, Doha, Riyadh and Bahrain suspended. In contrast, operations at Faisalabad airport were not affected and flights continued as planned.
Amid the uncertainty, Pakistan International Airlines announced operational changes to its Gulf routes, suspending flights to Fujairah for 48 hours for safety reasons. Limited operations to the United Arab Emirates will continue and flights to Al Ain will operate as scheduled.
The official said the situation was under constant review and further adjustments were likely to be made if tensions persisted. Passengers were advised to regularly check flight schedules and stay in touch with the airlines.
The disruption in Pakistan reflects a broader shock to global aviation, as rising 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 cause cascading disruptions around the world. Airlines are increasingly diverting flights to avoid sensitive areas, adding hours to travel times, increasing fuel consumption and complicating crew and aircraft scheduling.
Major airlines have already adjusted their operations, some suspending routes and others relying on longer, more expensive flight routes. 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.
Also read: The Middle East crisis forces the cancellation of 64 flights
The financial impact is expected to be significant. Prolonged instability could increase airfares, reduce flight frequencies and restrict seat availability, especially during peak travel periods such as Eid.
For passengers, the disruption has translated into uncertainty, with cancellations, delays and last-minute changes becoming more common. Travel experts recommend flexibility as airlines adapt to rapidly evolving conditions.
Despite ongoing coordination between aviation authorities and airlines to maintain safety and continuity, the situation highlights the sector’s vulnerability to geopolitical crises, especially in regions that serve as indispensable hubs for global air traffic.
