RAWALPINDI: The flight operations across the country’s major airports were severely affected, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and unable to reach their destinations due to sudden cancellations and suspensions. One of the local tour operators told media representatives that several international airlines had suspended operations to and from Pakistan until May 10.
There are airports, including airports in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, and Sialkot experienced multiple hours of halted air traffic amid rising tensions between Pakistan and India.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) had earlier announced that flight operations at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport would remain suspended until midnight. However, services were restored earlier than expected, whereas the operations at Islamabad, Lahore, and Sialkot airports also resumed by the evening.
Furthermore, Initially, the PAA suspended all operations at Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot airports until noon on Thursday, citing “operational reasons.” Islamabad International Airport also experienced a brief suspension during the day. The closure was later extended until 6pm for Lahore, Islamabad, and Sialkot, before being lifted.
“In the interest of air safety, some routes have been restricted as a precaution, affecting several flights,” a PIA spokesperson stated.
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In such a scenario, passengers arriving from international destinations also faced challenges due to diversions, while domestic passengers dealt with ongoing delays and disruptions.
The Hajj flight operation, which recently began, has also been largely suspended due to the tense regional situation.
