Dozens of international flights diverted as airspace restrictions reflect 1990 Gulf crisis
A general view of Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, where evacuees from Afghanistan will pass through to travel to other countries. PHOTO: ARCHIVE
As the Middle East teeters on the brink of a 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 aviation sources, a large number of foreign carriers were diverted to Karachi as regional airspace restrictions and security concerns forced precautionary diversions. Several aircraft remained temporarily parked during the day, while many others landed to refuel.
The situation was repeated in 1990, when, after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, dozens of passenger planes landed in Karachi under similar circumstances. At the time, both the airport’s old terminal and the newly built Jinnah Terminal were being used to accommodate diverted flights.
In view of the extraordinary influx, Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) issued a NOTAM highlighting the limited aircraft parking space at the airport and directing airlines and cabin crews to ensure prior coordination before operating to Karachi.
A PAA spokesperson said Pakistan’s airspace remains fully operational and safe for all civil aviation activities despite regional restrictions. In total, 27 flights were managed, including diversions, return flights, technical landings and diverted operations.
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Karachi airport alone managed 13 diversions, including technical stops to refuel. Additionally, four diversions were recorded in the Lahore flight information region, while two return diversions were managed at Islamabad airport. Three flights returned to their original or alternative destinations, while five diverted flights transited Karachi airspace without landing and were provided with alternative routes.
The sudden increase in traffic created operational challenges due to limited parking space, prompting airport authorities to warn airlines about possible delays. Officials confirmed the situation was being closely monitored and managed.
Meanwhile, several airlines announced cancellations on Gulf routes. AirSial canceled 19 flights in various sectors of the Gulf, while PIA canceled four flights from Islamabad to Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai. Saudi Airlines suspended its flights to Saudi Arabia from Peshawar.
Aviation authorities said Pakistani air traffic controllers and operational teams effectively handled the surge in traffic amid the emergency. Passengers were advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates.
Sources added that several daily flights operating between Karachi and Lahore also faced cancellations due to the evolving regional crisis.
