75 flights destined for Middle East from Pakistan cancelled

Flight operations of different airlines were severely affected, with 75 flights scheduled to depart for Gulf countries cancelled from different airports across the country, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Friday.

According to reports, 18 flights, which were scheduled to depart from Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar to Al Ain and Fujairah, were cancelled.

Nine flights failed to depart from Jinnah International Airport (JIAP) Karachi. All these flights of different airlines were scheduled to land in Doha, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.

25 flights were cancelled from Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIA) Lahore. These flights were scheduled to take off for Doha, Bahrain, Najaf, Kuwait, Dubai, Fujairah, and Al Ain.

23 flights, which were scheduled to depart for Ail Ain, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Kuwait, were also cancelled.

It is necessary to mention here that 92 flights were cancelled, which were scheduled to depart for Gulf countries from different airports of the country.

The cancellation of 92 flights represents a major blow to air connectivity between Pakistan and the Middle East. The disruptions have come at a time when air travel between the two regions remains vital for trade, employment and family connections.

Islamabad's position as the worst-hit city, with 28 of the 92 cancelled flights originating from or destined for the capital, highlights the extent to which the federal capital serves as a major hub for Gulf-bound travel.

The remaining cancelled flights were spread across other Pakistani airports, though specific breakdowns for cities beyond Islamabad were not immediately detailed.

The disruptions are directly linked to the heightened security situation in the Middle East, which has forced airlines to alter, delay or cancel scheduled services on routes passing through or terminating in the affected areas.

Passengers travelling to and from the Gulf region have been advised to stay in contact with their respective airlines for updates on rescheduled flights and alternative travel arrangements as the situation continues to evolve.