Pakistan Aviation Sector Suffers Rs. 20 Billion Loss Amid Gulf Airspace Restrictions

Air travel to and from Pakistan remained disrupted for the fifth consecutive day, with 578 flights cancelled since February 28 due to restrictions across several Gulf countries amid the widening conflict between Iran and the United States.

The conflict has resulted in an estimated revenue loss of around Rs. 20 billion for the aviation sector so far, reported Express Tribune. The disruption intensified on Wednesday when 162 flights to Middle Eastern destinations were cancelled from Pakistan’s major international airports.

These included departures from Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Sialkot and Faisalabad to cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sharjah, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jeddah, Al Ain, Najaf and Ras Al Khaimah.

Karachi recorded the highest number of cancellations, with 40 flights suspended to destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sharjah, Kuwait and Bahrain. Islamabad followed with 38 cancellations to major Gulf cities. Lahore airport saw 28 flights cancelled, while Peshawar reported 24 suspended services to regional hubs.

Flight disruptions have spread across several Pakistani cities, with 18 cancellations reported in Multan, eight in Sialkot and six in Faisalabad. Major international carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, Flydubai and Qatar Airways, along with Pakistani airlines PIA, Airblue and Fly Jinnah, have been affected. At Islamabad International Airport alone, nearly 180 flights have been cancelled since the disruptions began, including services to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, London, Bahrain and Doha.

Airspace restrictions have also impacted some domestic routes such as Islamabad to Gilgit, Skardu and Karachi. Airlines are adjusting operations by using alternative routes, with PIA deploying Boeing 777 aircraft on some flights due to longer diversions.

According to the report, around 35 to 40 two-way flights are being cancelled daily from Islamabad, and passengers have been advised to confirm schedules before travelling to airports.