Air operations in Pakistan have been severely limited following drone attacks from India, resulting in cancellation and delays in several domestic and international flights, which results in significant disadvantage of passengers, according to airport sources.

About 450 flights to and from Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi and other major airports have been affected. These include flights to Hajj -Pilgrims as well as those to and from Dubai, Doha, Sharjah, Kuala Lumpur, Madina, Riyadh, Turkey, Canada, Europe, Abu Dhabi and other destinations.

So far, about 150 flights have been canceled.

The sudden and repeated closure and reopening of the airspace over Lahore, Sialkot, Islamabad, Multan and Karachi by Pakistan Airport’s Authority (on) has created serious challenges for thousands of passengers, with both domestic and international airlines forced to end Deserts of flights.

Lahores Allama Iqbal International Airport, which handles over 50 flights daily, has seen 80% of its affected operations. On, Pia and other airlines have encouraged passengers to control their flight plans before heading towards the airport.

The repeated airspace closures have been particularly cumbersome for Hajj -Pilgrims, often seen and waiting for hours at IHRAM at the airport, unsure when or whether they want to deviate.

The situation has also affected the airport staff, including those belonging to the FIA, the customs and others who have been caught in a cycle of sudden duty call – sent home after suspensions only to be remembered when the operations are unexpectedly resumed.

Currently, there is no clarity on how long this disturbance will continue.

In a statement that was released on Friday, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, who said between 7 and 9 May, said the schedules of 13 Hajj flights.

During this three-day period, 4 Hajj aircraft were canceled and 9 others were delayed. Two flights each of Saudi Airlines from Islamabad and Lahore were canceled. Three flights from Lahore, two each from Islamabad and Quetta, and one from Multan and Karachi experienced delays.

As a result of the temporary floating disorders, the schedules of 3,080 pilgrims were disturbed. Most of the affected aircraft went with pilgrims after short delays.

Due to cancellations, 345 pilgrims left behind have now been flown out today from Islamabad on a special Pia flight. Another 540 pilgrims will be transported via special flights from Islamabad and Lahore.

Meanwhile, Flight the Lahore Airport survey went down on Friday.

As a result, passengers faced the difficulty of checking flight plans. (With input from our correspondents in Islamabad)