Travel Comes to a Standstill as Airspace Closures Create Chaos
Flight operations in Pakistan have come under intense strain following a series of drone attacks reportedly originating from across the eastern border. In a shocking turn of events, major airports including Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Multan, and Sialkot have been forced to restrict or suspend flights, both domestic and international. These restrictions have led to widespread flight cancellations, rescheduling issues, and stranded passengers across the country.
Impact on Domestic and International Travel
According to sources within the aviation sector, approximately 450 flights have been impacted across Pakistan. This includes scheduled services to key international hubs such as Dubai, Doha, Kuala Lumpur, Riyadh, Madina, Sharjah, Turkey, Canada, and several European destinations. Domestic flights, especially those connecting major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, have also been severely affected.
Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, which sees more than 50 flights per day, has experienced disruptions to nearly 80% of its scheduled operations. The ongoing uncertainty has prompted aviation authorities and airlines to strongly urge passengers to reconfirm their flights before arriving at the airport.
Hajj Flights Take a Major Hit
Perhaps the most emotionally taxing impact has been on Hajj pilgrims. Travelers dressed in ihram have been forced to wait for hours, often without clear communication from authorities.
Between May 7 and 9, the Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed that 13 scheduled Hajj flights were affected. Of these, 4 were canceled and 9 experienced significant delays. Saudi Airlines had to cancel flights from both Islamabad and Lahore, while other cities like Quetta, Multan, and Karachi also saw disrupted Hajj schedules.
In total, over 3,000 pilgrims faced uncertainty, with 345 being left behind initially. Fortunately, special PIA flights have now been arranged to accommodate them, and another 540 are scheduled to fly out in the coming days.
Airport Staff and Services Struggle Amid Uncertainty
It’s not just travelers feeling the heat—airport staff from the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), customs, FIA, and airlines have been caught in a whirlpool of unpredictability. With airspace opening and closing without prior warning, personnel are being sent home and recalled in a seemingly endless loop.
Adding to the confusion, Lahore Airport’s flight inquiry website also went offline, further complicating efforts for passengers trying to track their flight statuses.
No Clear Timeline for Restoration of Services
As of now, no official statement has been issued on how long these airspace restrictions will continue. The sporadic nature of closures suggests that the situation remains fluid, and passengers are being advised to remain in close contact with airlines and monitor official updates.
Authorities are reportedly working to stabilize operations, but with the current security situation, the timeline for full restoration of services remains unclear.