Islamabad reports the highest number of disruptions with 28 canceled flights on routes to Dubai, Doha, Bahrain and Muscat
Escalating tensions in the Middle East sparked widespread disruption to Pakistan’s air travel on Wednesday, with at least 92 inbound and outbound flights canceled across major airports, stranding passengers and forcing airlines to scale back operations.
The cancellations affected key international routes connecting Pakistan to the Gulf and beyond, underscoring the immediate fallout of regional instability on global aviation networks.
Speaking to Express Pakinomist On condition of anonymity, an aviation official said Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport saw 18 flights canceled 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 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 scrapped.
Read more: Airlines are canceling more flights as the conflict in the Middle East escalates
Disruption also extends 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 remained unaffected and flights continued 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 persist. Passengers were advised to regularly check flight schedules and stay in touch with airlines.
The disruption in Pakistan reflects a wider 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 airlines have already adjusted operations, with some suspending routes and others relying on longer, more expensive 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 operations in real time.
Read also: The Middle East crisis forces the cancellation of 64 flights
The economic consequences are expected to be significant. Prolonged instability could push up fares, reduce flight frequencies and tighten seat availability, especially during peak periods like 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 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 shocks – particularly in regions that act as indispensable hubs for global air traffic.
