Dozens of international flights diverted as airspace restrictions mirror 1990 Gulf crisis
A general view of Jinnah International Airport Karachi, where evacuees from Afghanistan will pass through to travel on to other countries. PHOTO: FILE
As the Middle East teeters on the brink of a wider conflict, Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport saw extraordinary activity on Saturday, with dozens of foreign airlines diverted to the city, creating scenes reminiscent of the 1990 Gulf crisis.
According to aviation sources, a large number of foreign airlines were diverted to Karachi as regional airspace restrictions and security concerns forced pre-emptive diversion. Several planes were temporarily parked during the day, while many others landed to refuel.
The situation reverberated in 1990 when, after Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, dozens of airliners landed in Karachi under similar circumstances. At that time, both the old airport terminal and the newly constructed Jinnah Terminal were being used to accommodate diverted flights.
In view of the extraordinary influx, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) issued a NOTAM highlighting limited aircraft parking space at the airport and directing airlines and flight crews to ensure prior coordination before operating into Karachi.
A PAA spokesman said Pakistan’s airspace remained fully operational and safe for all civil aviation activities despite regional restrictions. A total of 27 flights were handled, including diversions, return flights, technical landings and diverted operations.
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Karachi airport alone managed 13 diversions, including technical refueling stops. Additionally, four diversions were recorded at Lahore Flight Information Region, while two return diversions were handled at Islamabad Airport. Three flights returned to their original or alternate destinations, while five diverted flights passed through Karachi airspace without landing and were given alternate routes.
The sudden increase in traffic created operational challenges due to limited parking space, prompting airport authorities to warn airlines of possible delays. Officials confirmed that the situation was being closely monitored and managed.
Meanwhile, several airlines announced cancellations on Gulf routes. AirSial canceled 19 flights on various Gulf sectors, 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 between Karachi and Lahore also faced cancellations due to the developing regional crisis.
