A total of 71 flights from Pakistan to various Middle Eastern destinations were cancelled on Friday, as escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran disrupted regional air travel.
According to aviation sources, the cancellations affected multiple major cities across Pakistan, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and causing significant disruption at airports.
From Karachi, nine flights bound for Doha, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai were cancelled. Lahore faced the largest impact, with 25 flights to destinations including Doha, Bahrain, Najaf, Kuwait, Dubai, Fujairah, and Al Ain unable to depart.
In Islamabad, 23 flights to cities such as Doha, Al Ain, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Kuwait were also grounded. Meanwhile, Peshawar saw 10 cancellations on routes to Fujairah, Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.
Additionally, 18 flights operating from Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar to Al Ain and Fujairah were among those cancelled earlier in the day.
Despite the widespread disruption, some operations continued. Twelve flights from Faisalabad to Dubai, Sharjah, and Jeddah remained operational, providing limited relief to travelers.
Airport authorities have advised passengers to stay in contact with their respective airlines for updates and rescheduling, as uncertainty persists due to the evolving geopolitical situation.
