Lahore (HRNW)- The ongoing tensions and war situation between Iran, the United States, and Israel have severely disrupted global air operations, leading to thousands of flight cancellations and millions of passengers stranded at airports worldwide, including in Pakistan.
According to data received by HRNW News, six major Middle Eastern airlines—Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, FlyDubai, Qatar Airways, Emirates Airline, and Kuwait Airways—have suffered the most losses. These airlines usually operate 2,381 flights daily, but during the past ten days of conflict, only about 50 specific flights were able to depart, while 23,810 flights were cancelled.
Passengers traveling between Europe, the US, Canada, India, Australia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia rely heavily on these airlines. Normally, Kuwait Airways operates 285 flights daily, FlyDubai 343, Emirates 531, Etihad 334, Air Arabia 305, and Qatar Airways 583. Their fleets include advanced aircraft such as Airbus A380, A320, A321, A350, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787.
According to Khawaja Ayub Naseem, leader of the Pakistan Travel Agents Association, the aviation sector may face serious financial losses if the situation continues. Travel agents are already struggling with mass ticket refunds and billions of rupees in non-refundable hotel bookings.
He added that these airlines previously operated around 100 daily flights from Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Multan, all of which are currently suspended. With Umrah and Eid travel season underway, the crisis has badly affected international travel.
Khawaja Ayub Naseem urged the government to consider a bailout package for the aviation and travel industry to prevent further financial damage.
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