KARACHI (HRNW): The ongoing regional crisis in the Middle East continues to paralyze international travel, with 130 flights to and from Pakistan canceled today alone. According to airport sources, the total number of canceled flights between Pakistan and Middle Eastern destinations has reached a staggering 708 since the crisis began escalating on February 28.
Airport-wise Cancellation Breakdown
The closure of airspace over the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iran has left thousands of passengers stranded at major Pakistani gateways. The following disruptions were reported today:
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Islamabad International Airport: The hardest hit with 36 flights canceled to destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Kuwait.
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Karachi (Jinnah International): 30 flights canceled to Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain.
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Lahore (Allama Iqbal International): 22 flights canceled to major Gulf hubs.
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Peshawar & Multan Airports: 14 flights each canceled, primarily serving Dubai and Sharjah.
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Sialkot Airport: 10 flights canceled.
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Faisalabad Airport: 4 flights canceled.
Affected Airlines
The cancellations impact a wide array of both national and international carriers, including:
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International: Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, and flydubai.
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Domestic: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Airblue, and Fly Jinnah.
Airlines have advised passengers to avoid coming to the airports unless they receive a direct notification regarding a confirmed rescheduled flight. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) remains in constant contact with regional counterparts to monitor any windows for safe transit, though the primary routes through the Gulf remain highly restricted.
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