DUBAI: Air Travel between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been resumed, by plane operating from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Airports to several destinations in Pakistan.
According to UAE aircraft authorities, major airports in the Emirates have restarted operations for Pakistan-bound flights. Dubai Airport officials confirmed planned flights to Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, Peshawar and Islamabad.
The first flight to Islamabad will depart on May 12, while services to Peshawar begin on May 13.
In Abu Dhabi, flights to Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore are also operational. However, the authorities noted that some flights from Abu Dhabi to Pakistan have been re -planned, which advised passengers to check with airlines or airport customer service for updated information.
All flights are expected to return to regular schedules before May 12 from Abu Dhabi.
Sharjah Airport has similarly resumed services to Pakistan, where Sharjah National Airline continues its routine operations.
Despite the full restoration of Pakistan’s airspace after stops in Pakistan-India matches on Saturday, aircraft operations in the country remained heavily disturbed across the country, with more than 150 flights canceled in the middle of lingering uncertainty and logistical obstacles.
According to aviation sources, dozens remained of flights in Limbo. On Sunday alone 45 flights from Karachi (including 39 international), 38 from Lahore (including 32 international), 40 from Islamabad (including 36 international), 11 from Peshawar, 10 from Multan and 6 from Sialkot were canceled according to the official airplane.
In contrast, over 25 flights from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Faisalabad and Quetta are operated.
Larger foreign carriers have canceled about 125 incoming and outgoing flights, causing widespread disruption to international travelers. Many flights between Karachi and Lahore or Islamabad are redirected via Quetta because of the closure of Rahim Yar Khan Flight Corridor.
According to a notam issued by the aviation authorities, Rahim Yar Khan’s flight route will remain closed until 1 p.m. 05.00 on May 18. Flights from Gulf countries to cities such as Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad are now facing longer due to detours.
The airport was partially damaged in an Indian air strike on Friday.
Meanwhile, efforts are made to maintain the ongoing HAJJ operations of various airlines working to ensure continuity despite operational challenges at major airports.
A day ago, Pakistan Airports Authority (on) announced that the country’s airspace had been reopened for all categories of flights.
The message followed US President Donald Trump’s statement that India and Pakistan had accepted a ceasefire following Pakistan’s military reaction to Indian aggression.
